Water is a way of life in Florida. We swim, surf, fish, and sweat it all year long. But, not all water activity is sporting good fun. Some of it, is downright dangerous. Preparing for a flood in Florida is as much of a reality as the flip flop wearing weather we enjoy all year long.
Flood preparedness may seem like something you can address when the hurricane warnings blare, but the truth is flooding can happen anytime and just about anywhere. In fact, of all the natural disasters that occur every year throughout the United States, flooding is the most common. Not being prepared for a flood might cause damage to your home or business, but it can also cause damage to you and your loved ones by way of injury, or in the most devastating cases, death. Preparing for a flood means being prepared before the storm.
Before a flood warning hits in your area, be prepared by doing the following:
- Visit FEMA‘s Flood Map Service Center to familiarize yourself with flood risks in your area.
- Purchase flood insurance. If you are not sure if your current policy will cover flood damage, call our claims helpline at 1(800) LAW-4141 for a free review of your policy. We can even sign you up for our Ready NowSM program to store copies of all of your most important documents so that they are safe and ready when you need them. The program is free and useful for anyone with a property insurance policy, or those who manage policies for others.
- Prepare a Flood Plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of a flood. Planning should include your pets’ safety, emergency supplies, important documents, where to go, and how to get there. That means knowing your evacuation routes, shelter plans, and how to respond to flash floods.
- Take action before the storm. Make sure your important documents are always stored somewhere safe. Ideally a waterproof and fireproof container. Don’t wait, protect your property as soon as you are aware that flooding may occur. Move valuables to higher levels of your home, if possible. Remove clutter and debris from your property’s gutters and drains. Regular maintenance will not only help to keep your property safe during a flood, but it can also alert you to repairs that are needed beforehand.
- In case of an emergency, what’s next? Consider what you’ll do if you do not have time to prepare. Where will your family meet? How will you and your family reach one another? Who will be responsible for retrieving your pets if you are not at home when the flood occurs? Do you have an emergency contact in place? How does your child’s school handle a flood?
While a flood can cause many unforeseen dangers and challenges, being aware is still halfway there to the safety of your family, property, and life. For more information on preparing for a flood before it occurs, stop by Ready.gov where you can learn about flood preparedness and how to prepare for a flood in your specific area.
Too late for preparing for a flood?
Has your home or business sustained flood damage? Be sure to avoid these mistakes before you file your property damage insurance claim.
