According to the Red Cross, floods are the most frequent and costly natural disasters. When floods strike, the American Red Cross provides shelter, food, water, first aid and comfort to families. We thank them for sharing the important information below:
Right Before a Flood
- Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
- Be prepared to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.
- Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications or other medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
FACT vs. FICTION:
FICTION: Fill your sinks and bathtubs for drinking water in case flooding water interrupts or contaminates the public water supply.
FACT: Water stored in bathtubs and sinks should never be used for drinking or for bathing young children because lead can leak from the glaze in bathtubs and sinks into water stored in them. However, you can use water stored in bathtubs and sinks for flushing the toilet or washing the floor or clothing.
Then, If You Can, Do This:
- Fill plastic bottles with clean water for drinking.
- Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for flushing the toilet or washing the floor or clothing.
- Fill your car’s gas tank, in case you need to evacuate.
- Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
- Turn off propane tanks to reduce the potential for fire.
If You Still Have Time, Do This:
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities to prevent damage to your home or within the community. If you shut your gas off, a professional is required to turn it back on.
- Unplug small appliances to reduce potential damage from power surges that may occur.
If You Have Pets or Livestock:
- Consider a precautionary evacuation of your animals, especially any large or numerous animals. Waiting until the last minute could be fatal for them and dangerous for you.
- Where possible, move livestock to higher ground. If using a horse or other trailer to evacuate your animals, move sooner rather than later.
- Bring your companion animals indoors and maintain direct control of them. Be sure that your pet emergency kit is ready to go in case of evacuation.
content: American Red Cross
Although the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) rates do not differ from company to company, at Dwyer Insurance we have numerous options from which we will select a policy perfectly tailored to suit your property and budget. Our clients typically enjoy significant savings with our customized flood insurance coverage plans vs. standard NFIP rates.