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Floods can swiftly and unexpectedly inundate various regions worldwide. Surviving such a calamity necessitates a blend of readiness and prompt action as soon as the disaster unfolds. Prepare for a flood by assembling an emergency kit and seeking refuge. Avoid contact with floodwaters and seek higher ground. Upon subsiding, cautiously return home. Disinfect and repair affected areas to ensure ongoing safety post-flooding.
Guidelines
Crafting Your Flood Survival Strategy
Determine Evacuation Destinations. Collaborate with your family to devise an evacuation plan. Identify multiple meeting points in case of displacement, such as trusted friends' residences in secure locales or designated shelters in your vicinity. Ensure everyone is familiar with these sites and the routes to reach them, prioritizing high ground access.
- Contact your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department. These authorities can provide designated shelters, including schools or stadiums.
Establish a Family Communication Strategy. Utilize printable templates available on fema.gov. Record contact details, local meeting points, and personal identification particulars. Facilitate easy location during emergencies.
- Text messaging is preferable during floods, as texts have higher chances of delivery and don't congest emergency lines.
Prepare an Emergency Essentials Kit. Compile a kit containing fundamental provisions. A comprehensive kit should include ample food and water for a minimum of three days. Allocate at least three gallons of water per person per day. Ensure adequate supply of any essential medications and a first aid kit. Include a change of clothing for each individual, encompassing warm attire and waterproof garments.
- Regularly inspect and replenish food supplies annually to replace expired items.
- Include essential personal identification documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and financial records, along with extra cash, all stored in waterproof containers.
- Customize the kit according to specific family needs, considering items like can openers, duct tape, pet and infant supplies, and hygiene products.
Navigating Floodwaters
Immediately Vacate Hazardous Areas. Time may be limited for evacuation. Act swiftly, adhering to predetermined escape routes. Seek refuge in designated shelters upon flood warnings. Adhere to evacuation orders issued by emergency services. While some may contemplate weathering the storm, prioritize personal safety by following prescribed precautions.
- Leave belongings behind; avoid pausing to retrieve valuables. Grab the emergency kit and evacuate promptly.
- Strictly adhere to directives provided by local emergency management authorities.
Seek Higher Ground Away from Floodwaters. Whether on foot or abandoning a vehicle, higher terrain offers optimal safety. Distance yourself from areas prone to flooding, including storm drains, streams, creeks, or rivers. In a residential setting, seek refuge on rooftops if feasible..
- In high-rise structures, ascend to upper floors via stairs. Refrain from using elevators, and maintain communication via cell phones or weather radios.
Avoid wading through flooded areas. Even ankle-deep water poses risks as its depth may be unpredictable. Just six inches of water can cause cars to stall, while a foot can sweep away most vehicles. Never attempt to cross standing water.
- Remember the adage, “Turn around, don’t drown.” If uncertain about water depth, it’s safer to avoid it.
- Keep children and pets away from floodwater as it can rapidly deepen and pose escape challenges even for adults. Moreover, floodwater is typically contaminated.
- If you must traverse water, carry a stick to gauge depth and locate stable ground.
Avoid entering swift-moving water. Such currents are inherently perilous. Even mild currents can sweep away adults and vehicles. Most flood-related fatalities occur due to attempts to drive through water. It’s not worth the risk.
- Respect barricades and avoid driving around them; they’re erected for your safety.
- If trapped in a submerged vehicle, open windows (or break them if necessary). Once water enters the car, you can exit through the door.
Adopt a backward swimming technique in fast-moving water. Roll onto your back to go with the flow. Keep your feet facing upstream to push off obstructions. Seek something sturdy to hold onto, like a tree branch or rooftop. Afterward, face downstream and call for assistance.
- Avoid submerging under debris; keep your head above water and steer clear of obstacles.
- Yell for help to aid rescuers in locating you. Wave an arm if possible. Maintain hope until rescue arrives.
Securing Your Residence
Secure flood insurance for your property. Coverage can mitigate post-flood complications. Verify policy specifics with your insurer. Residents in flood-prone zones should prioritize insurance. Others may opt for coverage against water-related damages.
Fortify your residence against flooding. Enhance basement waterproofing to minimize water intrusion. Seal cracks and apply sealant to walls. Maintain clean gutters and consider constructing levees or floodwalls as additional barriers.
- Install a sump pump to expel water from your home when detected on the floor. Ensure proper drainage and keep the battery-powered backup operational with fresh batteries.
Minimize flood-related damage to utilities and valuables. Elevate your furnace, water heater, and electrical panels using blocks or higher wall settings. This reduces the risk of water damage. Prior to flooding, relocate valuables, such as rugs, appliances, and important documents, to upper floors.
- Disconnect utilities when flood risks arise by shutting off main valves and breakers. Unplug electrical appliances unless you're in standing water.
- Prioritize safeguarding valuables before flooding commences, as time may be limited once water levels rise.
Monitoring Alerts and Updates
Stay informed about flood risk advisories. Obtain flood-related information from local news or weather channels via TV or online platforms. Remain attentive to weather fluctuations and tune in to local radio stations for regular updates.
- A flood watch indicates potential flooding in your area, while a flood warning signifies imminent or ongoing flooding.
Monitor areas prone to flooding. Keep a vigilant watch on hazardous zones like drainage channels, canyons, and streams, which are prone to rapid overflow during flash floods and pose significant danger. Maintain distance and be aware of their proximity to your location, as they may trigger flooding before official alerts are issued.
Stay updated on local water conditions if you receive advance notice of potential flooding due to heavy rain. Visit the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) website for information, accessible here.
Adhere to directives from authorities. Refrain from returning home until authorities declare it safe to do so post-evacuation. Even after the immediate threat subsides, floodwaters may linger. Additionally, await confirmation from authorities regarding the safety of the community water supply.
- Remain attentive to news updates via radio, television, and online platforms.
Reintegrating into Home Life after a Flood
Exercise caution in damaged areas. Expect erosion on roads and pathways, particularly bridges. Muddy soil beneath usual routes may not adequately support vehicle weight. Seek alternative routes on elevated terrain or await official confirmation of safe roads.
- Avoid buildings affected by floodwaters as they may harbor unseen damage and pose collapse risks.
Steer clear of downed power lines and inundated regions. Presume all downed lines are live and avoid approaching them. Likewise, treat all floodwater as hazardous; stagnant water may be contaminated with pollutants or become electrified.
- Avoid entering buildings surrounded by floodwater.
Turn off all electricity and gas lines. Structural damage from the flood may have compromised these systems. Avoid standard power sources and inspect your home with a flashlight. Seek professional assistance for repairs.
- If you detect gas or hear hissing, evacuate immediately.
- Avoid using candles or lanterns until gas lines are secure.
Use a stick to check for snakes. Floods may have displaced dangerous animals into your home. Safely inspect hidden areas with a stick or pole to prevent any surprises. Consider contacting animal control for assistance.
Document the damage for insurance purposes. Capture images of your entire home using a disposable camera if necessary. Document the cleaning process as well. Contact your insurance agent for guidance.
- Thorough documentation simplifies insurance claims and disaster assistance applications.
Repair your home cautiously. Utilize equipment like sump pumps to remove water and seek professional assessment for structural integrity. Repair leaks in the septic system and gas supply before reoccupying the house. Address electrical issues promptly.
- Consider hiring specialists like Servpro for flood-related repairs.
Cleanse your home thoroughly. Remove mud and water containing potentially harmful substances. Address mold growth by ventilating the area and using appropriate cleaners and disinfectants. Practice good hygiene throughout the cleaning process.
- Use fans to aid in ventilation and drying.
Recommendations
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During a flood, ensure your pets accompany you as you evacuate. Retrieving them later may not be possible.
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After exposure to floodwater, always wash your hands thoroughly. Floodwater often carries various contaminants, including sewage.
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Choosing to reside in elevated areas such as hills or mountains is safer in flood-prone regions. For those in lower areas, consider elevating your home on stilts.
