What to Do Before, During and After a Flood
After a year of record rainfall across the country, large swathes of the Midwest are facing extreme levels of flooding. Thousands of people from Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas have been evacuated due to a dam on three rivers, while Illinois, Nebraska and Indiana are also struggling with flood waters that refuse to retreat.
If you’re still not thinking about how to survive in a situation like this, here are our resources before, during and after a flood.
What to do before a flood
What you need to know about flood insurance
Regular homeowner or renter insurance does not cover extreme weather floods, so you will need to purchase National Flood Insurance Program-approved coverage if you are in a vulnerable area. The cost will depend on the design of your house, number of storeys and the status of the flood zone. Flood insurance should cover everything from electricity to water systems and fuel tanks, to household appliances, carpets, furniture and clothing.
How to pack your emergency evacuation bag
The best time to pack for evacuation is long before the adrenaline rush begins. Prepare important documents, essentials, and contact information. Attach a USB stick with photos of all the rooms in your house and valuables (also put them in the cloud). Wrap the zippered plastic bags in your bag to protect your belongings if the bag gets underwater.
Know how to protect your pets during natural disasters
Place your pet carriers in an easily accessible area and pack at least 72 hours of supplies in case you have to run away from home. Place photocopies of pet related documents in your travel bag. Collect a photo of your pet and your pet together to help people reunite in the event of separation.
What to do during a flood
How to survive a flash flood (video)
Even six inches of rushing water can knock you off your feet. Walk up the hill, stay away from collapsed power lines, and don’t even think about driving into a flood. If your car sank, break the window to balance the pressure. If you are caught in boiling water, try swimming on your back with your head resting downstream so you can see what objects are rising behind you.
How to Prepare for Unexpected Flood Dangers
“Flooding is almost certainly not fresh, flowing rainwater,” Aimee Lutkin warned, which means you should avoid walking in it as much as possible. If you need to get through a flood, use a long stick to explore the area in front of you to test stability.
What to do after a flood
How to clean a kitchen after a flood
Disinfect metal pans, cookware, utensils, can openers and countertops, and any canned food that has been exposed to flooding. Drink only bottled or boiled water until instructed otherwise.
How to quickly assess and recover from indoor flooding
You may need to call professionals after a major flood. In the meantime, you can try to dry out your space by placing floor fans around the perimeter of the room, directing the air flow clockwise. If you are using a dehumidifier, drain the condensate from a hose outside the building and not into a bucket.