Flood Safety

Floods are one of the most frequent and costly natural disasters - many of which fall on the heels of other disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Rushing waters and debris contribute to most of the damage caused by flooding.

Home Safety Council urges homeowners to take the following precautions this severe weather season:

Before a Flood

	Develop a family disaster plan. Plan where you would go for safety if a flood required you to leave your home. Involve all family members in this planning process.
	Create a disaster supplies kit.
	Protect home heating, water and electricity systems in your home - Have your furnace, water heater and electric panel raised to higher floors or the attic by a professional if these utility systems are in a flood-prone area of the home, like the basement.
	Listen to the radio or television for updated emergency information - Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or a portable, battery-powered radio to get updated flood information.
	Have a professional install check valves in building sewer traps - Floodwater can get backed up into the drains of your home. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs and basins.
	Fill your bathtubs, sinks and plastic bottles with clean water - Severe floods may interrupt utility services such as water. When floods threaten, it's best to keep drains corked, but be sure to fill sinks and tubs with fresh water first.