When a flash flood strikes, your home and property can quickly become a dangerous place. Fortunately, you can take action to reduce the impact of the water on your property and reduce the possibility of further damage. By planning ahead, you can make sure that nothing goes wrong. Reducing flooding damage is possible no matter what part of the country you live in. In fact, many flood victims in the U.S. do not even live in areas prone to flooding- they live just outside designated flood plains or zones that have been flooded in the past. The best way to minimize flooding damage is to have an effective home disaster plan in place before water ever finds its way inside your walls. Flooding makes homes more vulnerable to other disasters as well. Your plan should address issues like who will be staying with you during an emergency, where you will go for shelter and how you will manage access during times of crisis.
Get to Know Your Flood Zone
Most homes are designed to withstand moderate rainfall events like those that occur annually in the hills and mountains of Southern California, but a tropical or extratropical cyclone can cause flooding in areas with little or no rainfall. As a result, you should know the risk that exists in your area and take action to reduce the risk. Here are a couple of questions to get you started: What is the risk of flooding in my area? Is there a risk of flooding in my area if a certain event occurs? What should I do if I get a flood warning in my area?
Identify the Risk You Face
You should identify the risks that exist in your area and then understand the factors that could lead to those risks occurring. These factors may include the level of infrastructure in the area, the condition of the ground, the design of your home, and your personal safety. Sometimes, it’s easier to identify potential risks while your home is still standing. If a flood threat has been high in your area recently, you should measure the level of water in your home to better understand how high the risk is.
Plan Ahead So You Don’t Make the same Mistakes Again
While it’s good to have an emergency plan in place in case of an emergency, you should also have a disaster plan in place for less-than-Emergency situations as well. This includes activities like cleaning and organizing your home so that you’re better prepared if something unexpected occurs. Be sure to keep your pre-flood plan in mind when dealing with water damage. If you’ve been at home during a flood, you know how exhausting it can be to both clean up and stay safe. Make sure that you have your act together the next time water inundates your property.
Stay Safe While Flooding
If you’re like most people, you’ll want to protect your home and property as much as possible during a flood. However, you should also stay safe while doing so. The best way to stay safe while flooding is to stay out of the water. Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear while going in and out of the water and stay away from streams, rivers, and other water sources where water flow is high. Some things to keep in mind while going in and out of the water: Wear appropriate shoes – protective footwear such as sturdy rubber or canvas shoes, sleep boots, and a life jacket are important. Wear a helmet – helmets are recommended for swimming, but are also useful when walking around in flooded areas. Keep your hair and nails healthy – exposure to water can cause hair and nail loss, and extra care should be taken when washing and cutting your hair and nails.
Get Expert Help if You Need It
While it’s smart to have an emergency plan in place in case of an emergency, you should also have a disaster plan in place for less-than-Emergency situations as well. This includes activities like cleaning and organizing your home so that you’re better prepared if something unexpected occurs. When preparing for a disaster, it’s smart to seek assistance from Certified Interim Home Inspectors (CHI) or Certified Flood Insurance claim adjusters (CFIX).”These professionals understand the laws and regulations that govern flood insurance and can help you navigate the claims process if your insurance premiums rise during a flood.” If you’re unsure how to go about this, you should consider hiring a professional to help with your recovery.
Bottom Line
While flooding can be overwhelming and scary, it’s actually quite manageable when handled the right way. Be sure to get to know your area’s flooding conditions and plan ahead so you don’t make the same mistakes again.
