Understanding and Managing Flood Risks Around Your Home

Flooding can be a devastating natural disaster, and understanding the risks and taking preventative measures is crucial for homeowners, especially those residing near rivers, lakes, or canals. This post will cover practical steps you can take to protect your home and family before, during, and after a flood.

Preparing Your Home Before a Flood

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the potential damage caused by flooding. Consider the following:

• Elevate Vulnerable Systems: Raise your furnace, water heater, and electrical panel if your home is prone to flooding. This prevents costly damage and potential hazards.
• Install Check Valves: Implement "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home's drains.
• Seal Basement Walls: Apply waterproofing compounds to your basement walls to minimize seepage.
• Stay Informed: Contact community officials to learn about any planned construction of barriers like levees or floodwalls in your area.
• Monitor Information Sources: Listen to the radio or television for updates and instructions if a flood is likely.

What to Do During a Flood

If evacuation is necessary, remember these crucial steps:

• Secure Your Home: If time permits, bring outdoor furniture inside and move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn Off Utilities: If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but only if you are dry and not standing in water.
• Evacuate Safely:
  • Do not walk through moving water. Even 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. A foot of water can float many vehicles, and 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 it is safe to do so.

Actions to Take After a Flood

Returning home after a flood requires caution. Here’s what to do:

• Check Water Safety: Listen for news reports to confirm the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid Floodwaters: Floodwaters can be contaminated with oil, gasoline, raw sewage, and may be electrically charged.
• Beware of Weakened Roads: Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded, as roads may have weakened and could collapse.
• Stay Away From Downed Power Lines: Report any downed power lines to the power company immediately.
• Return Home When Safe: Only return home when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Exercise Caution When Entering Buildings: Inspect for hidden damage, especially in foundations.
• Service Damaged Sewage Systems: Address damaged septic tanks, cesspools, and leaching systems as soon as possible, as they pose serious health hazards.
• Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect everything that has been exposed to floodwater, as mud can contain sewage and chemicals.

Understanding Flood Alerts

Familiarize yourself with these terms to better understand flood hazards:

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for updates.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Prepare to move to higher ground and monitor information sources.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. Evacuate immediately if advised.
• 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.