before the flood
- Check the flood plain maps
- Make an emergency plan
- build an emergency kit
- Prepare your home
- Get flood insurance
The first thing you need to do is assess your risks
- Do you live in a flood plain or a low-lying area?
- Are there creeks and streams nearby that fill up fast when it rains?
- What’s the drainage like in your area?
What can I do if my risks are high?
- Get flood insurance.
- You may be able to reduce your risks by improving drainage.
- Install drains or dig ditches to help divert water before it has a chance to rise.
- In some cases, sandbags can stop floodwaters from entering your home. Get sandbags if you may need them, and be sure to fill them up ahead of time.
- You will also need a disaster supply kit, keep it handy so you can load it and go in case you must evacuate suddenly.
- When the threat of flooding is high, evacuate early. Don’t wait until it’s already flooded. If you have time, shut off the electricity before you go.
For more information on how to be prepared for a flood