4 Phases in Preparing for a Flood

Floods are some of the most damaging hazards to come during a typhoon. Devastating effects that come with flooding include power outages, infrastructural damage, and landslides that can cause massive casualties. When a flood is imminent, learn the best ways of preparation to minimize risk. Being prepared can save your life and everyone else.
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Here are steps in preparing yourself for flood-related disasters, based on its three different phases:

#1 – Before the Flood
The best way to protect yourself and your property is to anticipate a flood before it arrives. It is a bad idea to live in a flood-prone area, called a floodplain. The best option is to move into a more elevated area to keep yourself safe. In case this is not possible, reinforce your home by putting barriers to minimize the entry of floodwater.

Be attentive to the weather forecast provided by television and radio. There will either be a flood watch or flood warning. A flood watch means flooding is possible, while a flood warning means it is imminent and will occur soon.
 
#2 – Anticipating the Flood
Make sure that you have the necessary items and are knowledgeable in survival strategies. Prepare an emergency kit packed in bags in the event of an emergency evacuation. Gadgets like cell phones and flashlights must be fully charged and coupled with emergency batteries.

If possible, you should move important furniture to elevated areas where there is less chance of being swept by flooding. Disconnect all appliances and turn the primary electric utility off.

#3 – During the Flood
During a flash flood, you should not go near low areas like basements, underpasses, and ditches. As much as possible, do not brave through flooded areas. You don’t know how deep they might be, and then you might get swept away and even drown. If there is no choice but to walk through, find the area where floods are shallow and there is no current.

At all costs, avoid electrical equipment if you are soaking wet or you’re standing on water.

 #4 – After the Flood
When the floods have receded, pay attention to news reports to determine whether it's safe to head home. Avoid walking in small puddles of water: they may be contaminated with pollutants. Once back home, disinfect all areas and objects contaminated by floodwater. Keep listening to news reports regarding emergency shelters and cleanliness of the water supply 

Conclusion:
Even devastating calamities like flash floods can be prepared for with proper supplies and survival skills. However, you can help yourself even more by having flood insurance. The commonness of flood-related disasters means that flood insurance is viable for you to recover from damages after the ground has cleared.

At Leigh Insurance Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (904) 826-0799. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.