Steps You Should Take Before Flooding Occurs

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these tips before Flooding occurs in your New Bern, NC home. If any doubt arises, please contact us.

Having a plan for what to do before, during and after flooding is critical for protecting your family and reducing the amount of damage that may occur to your property. These are some of the steps you should take before a flood happens.

Flood Damage Preparation Steps

Waiting for a flood to occur to take action can jeopardize your safety and lead to greater property damage and financial loss. Consider adding these steps to your flood plan.

1. Know the Difference Between Flood Warnings, Watches and Advisories

Knowing what to expect will help you make plans for the immediate future. A flash flood warning means that a flash flood is either about to happen or is already happening. If you are in an area that may flood, move to higher ground immediately.

A flood warning is similar to a flash flood warning, except that it usually involves flooding from overflowing water sources and is slower to develop than flash floods.

A flood watch means that weather conditions are favorable for a flood to occur. It doesn't mean that a flood will definitely happen, but you should monitor the weather closely.

A flood advisory is similar to a watch, except that it means that conditions are favorable for a less severe flood to happen.

2. Create a Communications

Plan Storm damage may knock out electricity and phone service. It can sometimes even disrupt cellular phones. It is important to plan how you will communicate with friends and family if a flood occurs. Arrange a safe location to meet in case you do not have access to phone or internet service. Designate a person to be the contact for status updates.

3. Stock an Emergency Kit

Some flood situations may take days to develop, but others can happen in minutes. Have an emergency kit on hand at all times in case you need to quickly evacuate. Stock your kit with enough water, food and medicine for three days or more. Pack batteries, flashlights, blankets, rubber boots and gloves, a first aid kit and an NOAA Weather radio.

4. Sign Up for Weather Alerts

The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service makes RSS feeds with weather, river and other water alerts available to the public. You may also be able to sign up for alerts from your local television or radio station and your cell phone company.

5. Prepare Your Home

If you have time, place sandbags or other flood barriers around your home. Have check-valves installed in your plumbing to prevent floodwater backups and install a sump pump with a battery-powered backup pump in your basement. Ensure your circuit breaker panels or fuse box is clearly marked. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Keep contact numbers for services you may need, such as a plumber, tree removal company or flood remediation company in New Bern, NC, in a safe place.

Flooding can be a danger to both your family and your home. However, having a plan in place can help keep you and your property safe during severe weather events.