What can you do other than insure your property to get ready for a flood? Follow these steps to help minimize loss to your home or business and ensure your family’s and employee’s safety.
Prepare your home or business:
· Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
· Anchor any fuel tanks.
· Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12” above your projected flood elevation.
· Place furnace, water heater, washer and dryer on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12” above the projected flood elevation.
Safeguard your possessions:
· Make sure any photos or videos of all your important possessions are in a safe place. These documents will help with flood insurance claims.
· Store import documents and irreplaceable objects where they won’t get damaged.
· If major flooding is expected, move furniture and valuables to upper levels of your home or office.
Develop a family or business emergency plan:
· Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
· Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family and employees.
· Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood.
· Don’t forget to have a plan for your pets.
For more emergency preparedness ideas, go to www.ready.gov.