Understanding and Managing Flood Risks Around Your Home

Flooding can pose a significant threat to homes, especially those located near rivers, lakes, or canals. Being prepared and taking preventative measures can greatly reduce potential damage and ensure your safety. Here's what you need to know about flood risks and how to respond effectively.

Preemptive Measures to Protect Your Home

Before a flood even threatens, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your property:

• Elevate Vulnerable Equipment: If your home is prone to flooding, elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel to minimize potential water damage.
• Install Check Valves: Implement "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home's drains.
• Consider Barriers: Contact community officials to learn about any planned construction of barriers like levees, beams, or floodwalls in your area.
• Seal Basement Walls: Apply waterproofing compounds to basement walls to avoid seepage.

Staying Informed and Preparing for Evacuation

When a flood is likely, staying informed is crucial:

• Monitor Information Sources: Listen to the radio or television for updates and instructions from local authorities.
• Be Aware of Flash Flooding: Flash floods can occur rapidly. If there's any possibility of one, move immediately to higher ground without waiting for official instructions.
• Identify Flood-Prone Areas: Be mindful of streams, drainage channels, and canyons, as these areas are known for sudden flooding.

If evacuation becomes necessary, take these steps:

• Secure Your Home: If time allows, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn Off Utilities: Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. Avoid touching electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Evacuation Tips for Safety

When leaving your home during a flood, remember these critical tips:

• Avoid Walking Through Moving Water: Six inches of moving water can cause you to fall. If you must walk in water, choose areas where the water is not moving and use a stick to check the ground's firmness.
• Do Not Drive Into Flooded Areas: Six inches of water can cause loss of control and stalling in most passenger cars, and a foot of water can float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon it and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely.

Actions to Take After a Flood

After a flood, proceed with caution:

• Listen for News Reports: Check if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid Floodwaters: Floodwaters may be contaminated with oil, gasoline, raw sewage, or be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Be Aware of Weakened Roads: Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay Away From Downed Power Lines: Report any downed power lines to the power company.
• Return Home When Safe: Only return home when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Use Caution When Entering Buildings: There may be hidden damage, especially in foundations.
• Service Damaged Sewage Systems: Damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems are serious health hazards and should be serviced as soon as possible.
• Clean and Disinfect: Clean and disinfect everything that got wet, as mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Understanding Flood Alerts

Familiarize yourself with these terms to stay informed:

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune into NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground and listen to information sources.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can significantly mitigate the risks associated with flooding and protect your home and family.