How To Prepare Yourself For Floods This Spring

Posted in Personal & Family Survival, The Prepping Movement

 

As we are in the midst of spring and summer and for some of us we are about to enter hurricane season, flooding is a common occurrence and can in fact happen without warning. Flooding can occur in many places, so everyone should be prepared and have a plan.

Here are some basic safety tips for when flooding occurs:

  • Turn around! Don’t attempt to make your way through a flood area.
  • Just 6 inches of moving water can inhibit your ability to make your way through water and just 1 foot of water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • If there is any chance of flash flooding, you should move to higher ground immediately. Floods are actually the #1 cause of weather-related deaths.
  • If the water that has already surrounded your car is not moving, you should abandon your car and move to higher ground. Do not move towards moving water.
  • If there is heavy rainfall or the potential of heavy rainfall, avoid camping or parking near streams or rivers.


Terms to know about floods and steps to take:

Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” The conditions in your area are right for flooding to occur.

  • Turn on your TV/radio to get frequent weather updates.
  • Have a plan to reach higher ground if you need to.
  • Make sure you have an emergency kit including flashlights, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
  • Tips to help you prepare your home:
    • Bring in any outdoor furniture and move any important items in your house up to a higher floor.
    • Disconnect any electrical appliances and don’t touch it if it might be wet.


Flood Warning = “Take Action!” Flooding is already happening or will happen soon.

  • Move immediately to higher ground
  • Evacuate if you are directed.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.


After A Flood:

  • Don’t return to your home until authorities say it’s safe.
  • Beware of roads and walkways after water has receded. Flood waters can erode roads.
  • Avoid standing water.
  • Photograph damage of your property for insurance purposes.


If you are looking for more information about getting prepared for natural disasters, check out these other Civil Dispatch blog posts:


 

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