Before a Flood

Educate Yourself

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety. Here are a selection of videos and best practices to be prepared in case a flooding disaster ever occurs to your property.

1. Safeguard your possessions

Create a personal “flood file” containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

A copy of your insurance policies with your agent’s contact information.
A room-by-room inventory of your possessions, including receipts, photos, and videos.
Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house

Make sure your sump pump is working.
Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
Anchor any fuel tanks.
Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.
Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan

Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
Have a plan to protect your pets.

During a Flood

Protect Yourself and Your Home

Here’s what you can do to stay safe during a flood:

If flooding occurs, go to higher ground and avoid areas subject to flooding.
Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
If you’ve come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.

After a Flood

The Road to Recovery

As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it’s time to start the recovery process. Here’s what you can do to begin restoring your home.

If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.