What to Do When It's Flooding Near Your Home

When you find yourself facing a flood near your home, it is critical to respond promptly and efficiently to protect your property and ensure the safety of everyone in your household. Here are the key actions to take:

1. Stay Informed

Monitor local news and weather reports regularly. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so staying updated through a reliable source is crucial. Ensure your mobile devices are charged so you can receive emergency alerts even during power outages.

2. Understand Evacuation Routes
Be familiar with local evacuation routes and have a plan in place. Know where you and your family will go if you need to leave your home, and keep your car fueled and ready if evacuation seems likely.

3. Safeguard Important Documents
Place important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies in waterproof containers or bags. Keep them somewhere easily accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly.

4. Protect Your Property
If time and safety permit, take preventive measures to protect your home:
- Use sandbags around doorways and low lying windows to prevent water from entering.
- Elevate furniture and electronics off the floor, particularly in basement areas or on the ground floor.
- Seal vents to basements to prevent floodwaters from entering.

5. Shut Off Utilities
If instructed by authorities or if flooding is imminent, shut off your home's electricity, gas, and water at the main switches or valves. This precaution can prevent further complications such as electrical fires or gas leaks.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit that includes items like non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and necessary medications. Keep this kit in an easily accessible location.

7. Secure Outdoor Items
Secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, decorations, or other items that could be swept away or damaged by flood water. This reduces potential debris that could block drains or cause injury.

8. Check Community Preparations
Join community efforts if safe and feasible. Helping neighbors install flood barriers or clear drains can prevent water from building up and affecting your and your neighbors' properties.

9. Avoid Driving
Avoid driving through flooded areas. It takes just 12 inches of flowing water to carry away most cars. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route.

10. Communicate
Let family and friends know your plans if you expect to evacuate or if the flooding worsens. It’s important for loved ones to know where you are and that you are safe.

11. After the Flood
Once it is safe to do so, document any damage by taking photos for insurance claims and report the flood to your insurance company. Begin clean-up as soon as possible to prevent mold and further damage, but ensure the structural safety of your home before re-entering.

Flooding can be a frightening prospect, but by taking these steps, you can help minimize the impact on your home and safeguard your family’s well-being. Preparation, quick thinking, and calm action are your best tools when facing any flood threat.