Floods are devastating, and surviving them can be even trickier. It doesn’t matter where you live on this Earth, you could be hit with severe weather at any moment. Is your home prepared for what may come during this chaotic time? While some live in more flood-prone areas, flood-proofing your home may not be enough. We’d like to tell you some of our favorite tips for staying safe within a home that’s susceptible to flooding.
It’s important to remember that emergency personnel may not be within reach during this time, as they may be experiencing the same flooding you are, and there may be hundreds in your area calling them. During times like this, you’ll want to take preventative measures that go far beyond using flood-proof materials during the construction of your home.
Make Sure You Have Insurance
Before anything, if you know you live in a flood-prone area, you should immediately invest in the proper insurance. Without, you may not be able to replace your valuable items and you may lose everything you’ve ever worked for. There are various levels of flood insurance, each that may cover different assets. You may think that normal property insurance will do the trick, but that’s where dishonest companies get you. Repairs for damages caused by flooding are not typically covered by general property insurance, and those who live in flood-prone states may be subject to distinct flood insurance based on local law.
General Safety Tips for a Flooded Home
If there has been a warning issued, you shouldn’t stay; however, we understand that it’s not realistic to believe that everyone can get out. When random, flash flooding leaves you locked up as a prisoner of your own home, you should follow some of these general safety tips in order to make the best of the situation:
- Shut off the electricity as soon as you can, as well as gas and water – maybe even your HVAC; when a flood meets the aforementioned systems, you run the risk of causing a fire in your home. Just because there’s flood water, doesn’t mean there aren’t any fire risks!
- Head towards the highest point in your home (even if it’s an attic). You always want to get to the highest point to avoid becoming trapped under water. Try to never hide in rooms that are interior and without windows, also.
- Always prepare an emergency kit – whether it’s phones, extra charges that don’t require electricity, items for first aid purposes, a small generator of sorts, and even radios that run on a crank or battery operation.
- Never try to swim out of your home and somewhere else. If the waters are high enough, that means they have enough force to take you anywhere regardless of your personal power
- Flares, flags, and other types of markers will surely get someone’s attention eventually. If you’re not in a populated area, these are more efficient than ever, and should always be played in your emergency kit.
Always be prepared and never think that it can’t happen to you – we are not invincible. Talk to an OIG Insurance team member today to talk about your flood insurance policy.
CONTACT US NOW!
