Understanding And Preparing for Floods
Flood Insurance | Safety & Prevention | Weather
By Nina C.
June 6, 2021 4 minute read

Floods are one of the most common and devastating natural disasters, as highlighted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Understanding the different types of floods and how they occur is crucial for effective preparation and response. This guide aims to provide a thorough overview of flood risks, preparation strategies, and steps to take during and after a flood event.

Types of Floods and Their Causes

  1. Flash Floods: These can happen within minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, dam or levee failures, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam.

  2. Overland Flooding: This often occurs when rivers or streams overflow their banks due to excessive rainwater or a possible levee breach, leading to flooding in surrounding areas. It can also be caused by rainfall or snowmelt exceeding the capacity of underground pipes, or street drains in urban areas.

Flood Hazards and Risk Factors

  • Flood risk isn't just based on history but also factors like rainfall, topography, flood-control measures, river flow, tidal-surge data, and changes due to construction and development.

  • Everyone is at risk, irrespective of their geographic location. Low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee, or downstream from a dam are particularly vulnerable.

  • Flood hazard maps are essential tools for understanding community-specific risks and determining necessary flood insurance coverage.

Preparing for Floods

  • Build an Emergency Kit and a Family Communications Plan: Essential for immediate response in a flood situation.

  • Home Preparation: Avoid building in a floodplain. If you do, elevate and reinforce your home. Elevate furnaces, water heaters, and electric panels in high-risk areas. Install check valves and waterproofing compounds to prevent floodwater intrusion.

  • Awareness and Evacuation Plans: Stay informed through radio and television. Recognize the signs of flash flooding and evacuate to higher ground when necessary. Secure your home and turn off utilities if instructed. Remember evacuation tips, like not walking or driving through flood waters.

During a Flood

  • Act swiftly on flood watches and warnings by moving valuables to higher floors, filling bathtubs with clean water, and tuning into weather updates.

  • If evacuation is necessary, do so with only essential items and move to higher ground away from water bodies.

After a Flood

  • Prioritize safety by staying away from damaged areas, avoiding moving water, and following local warnings.

  • Be cautious of health risks by avoiding floodwater, which may be contaminated.

  • Return home only when it is declared safe and be aware of potential structural damages.

  • Dispose of unsafe food and use bottled water until authorities confirm the safety of tap water.

Staying Healthy and Safe Post-Flood

  • Wear protective clothing during cleanup, handle hazardous materials carefully, and clean up mold promptly.

  • Contact your insurance agent for claims and follow up on flood damage repairs.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

Floods can strike anywhere and anytime. Being prepared is crucial. For more information and personalized advice on flood insurance and risk management, contact us at 800-360-3000.

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