Flooding can happen anytime to anyone, and it’s never too early to prepare for potential floods.
This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week.
“The purpose is to help people be prepared,” Samuel Seeley, Lyon County flood plain manager said. “It’s inevitable at some point you can be flooded.”
Seeley said his office can provide a large amount of resources for people needing information about flooding, flood insurance and what to do before, during and after a flood.
“The goal of this office is to educate people as much as possible,” he said.
Seeley said flood insurance should be a priority for residents.
“Flood insurance does not come with home insurance,” Seeley said, adding that people should talk to an insurance agent about adding flood insurance. People in areas with low to moderate risk of flooding can get a preferred risk policy, which is less expensive.
“Just an inch (of flood water) can cause thousands of dollars in damage.”
If a home is flooded and receives damage, the homeowner should call Seeley or the local emergency management office.
“They can help do assessments,” Seeley said, adding that depending on the flooding situation, funds could be available to help.
Flood safety extends beyond the home as well. Drivers should never drive through flooded roads, because the road could be washed out under the water. People should not walk through floodwaters either as they could lose their footing and be swept away, Seeley said.
“Parents should watch out for kids if out and about,” Seeley added.
Seeley provided several tips for residents before, during and after a flooding event. Before flooding people should be prepared and educate themselves. Possessions should be safeguarded from flood by creating a “flood file” containing information about all possessions. That list should be kept in a secure place such as a safe deposit box or a waterproof container. The file should have:
- A copy of insurance policies with agent’s contact information.
- A room-by-room inventory of possessions including receipts, photos and videos.
- Copies of all other critical documents including finance records or receipts of major purchases.
Homes should be prepared for flood as well:
- Make sure sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup in case of power failure. A water alarm also will alert if water is accumulating in the basement.
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Anchor any fuel tanks.
- Raise electrical components including switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring as least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
- Place furnace, water heater and washer and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
- Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.
Develop a family emergency plan:
- Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio and a flashlight.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach children how to dial 911.
- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with family.
- Ask an out-of-state relative to be an emergency family contact.
- Have a plan to protect pets.
For more information, see Ready.gov.
- During a flood, people should do several things, including going to higher ground and avoiding areas subject to flooding; do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways; if water rises in home before evacuation, go to the top floor, attic or roof; listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information; turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so; if contact is made with floodwaters, wash hands with soap and disinfected water.
- After a storm, people should do the following:
- Contact local flood plain manager so that proper permits are obtained and if federal funds are available.
- If home has suffered damage, call insurance agent to file claim.
- Check for any structural damage before re-entering home.
- Make a list of lost or damaged items and include purchase date and value with receipts.
- Keep power off until an electrician has inspected system for safety.
- Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities say the water supply is safe.
- Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
- Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried and monitored for several days for any fungal growth or odors.
For more information on flooding safety and preparedness, contact Seeley at 341-3471. For a list of area agents and other resources go to http://www.lyoncounty.org/Floodplain_Management.html.
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I thought there was supposed to be a drought??
March 18, 2010 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )