It is that time of the year here in Southwest Florida; Rainy season. Are you prepared in case of a major flooding? Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, and it is important to know how to react in this situation.
It is also important to know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible. A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon. There are several precautions to take in case something like this occurs where you live.
If you’re caught in a flood, here are helpful tips to guide you:
- First and foremost, if advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
- Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications.
- Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
- If there is any possibility of a flash flood (occurs in just a few minutes), move immediately to higher ground.
- If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
When flooding has died down, listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage, and may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
It’s critical to always be one-step ahead when it comes to natural disasters, ESPECIALLY when they can occur unexpectedly. Remember to always be with someone you know or stay connected any way you can in a situation like this. Parvey & Cavenago are here to make sure that everyone is on the same page when natural disasters can strike at any given moment.