How to Prepare for a Flood (and Survive)
Striking images of the massive floods that have flooded Kentucky illustrate the scale of damage that can be caused by heavy rains that have overflowed rivers in Bluegrass State on a massive scale. Gov. Andy Besheer declared a state of emergency on Monday, announcing in a statement that the National Guard has been mobilized to combat the flooding. The Associated Press reports that 13,000 residents of Kentucky and neighboring West Virginia were left without electricity on Monday.
Since climate change is meant to make extreme weather more common in the future , it is imperative to know how to prepare for flooding if it happens where you live, even if you think you are in a safe area .
Know the basics
During a flood, common sense is best, which means avoiding reckless behavior. For example, don’t walk, swim, or drive through a flood. This is especially true for flash floods that occur within six or three hours after heavy rains, a dam or levee break, or a hurricane. Keep in mind that only a foot of water can carry a car, and six inches of water is enough to knock a pedestrian off his feet.
Always check with local authorities and keep track of national weather warnings provided by NOAA’s National Meteorological Service . Stay tuned for updates from your local authorities, which can usually be obtained via social media or by tuning in to local news broadcasts.
Have a plan
You need a comprehensive plan that covers everything you and your loved ones will do in the event of a flood. It should be comprehensive, listing safe places where you can find shelter, strategies for herding any pets and basic valuables, and prepare a kit with all the necessary protective gear you may need in case of emergency.
According to Ready.gov, your flood preparedness plan should include:
- Escape routes and shelter plans: If you can safely get out of the flooded area before it is flooded, make a plan to stay with family and friends. If family and friends are unavailable, contact your local authority to seek refuge in your area.
- Non-perishable food and water for several days: Set aside the stash of non-perishable food, ideally in a handy bag that will withstand these conditions. The CDC has more information on preparing food and water during floods.
- Emergency Kit: CDC recommends preparing an emergency kit including “food, flares, auxiliary cables, maps, tools, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.”
As a general rule, you want as many as possible in your emergency kit. In addition to the previously mentioned items, add some disinfectant, insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes that swarm in flooded areas, extra charging cables for phones and devices, and of course any medication you might need. As Ready.gov points out, you can’t take anything for granted because “after a flood, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.”
Always listen to the instructions from the authorities, and if you are told to evacuate, make sure you do so.
How to safely return to your home
Re-entering your home after a flood evacuation is a problem in itself, rife with dangers that may not be immediately apparent. These general safety tips from the University of Minnesota can help you mitigate some of the risks:
- Disconnect gas and electricity.
- Examine the structure of your home for damage. Examine the floor and windows for signs of cracking and warping. Consult an electrician to avoid the risk of sparking.
- Pump out the accumulated water from the basement in stages, 1/3 at a time.
- When entering your home, wear protective equipment such as a face mask, rubber gloves, rubber boots, and safety goggles. Have everything you need to provide first aid in case of injury on hand.
Be aware that water can hide debris and other potentially hazardous materials (or animals). This is more likely outside of your home, but it is possible that snakes or other aquatic animals made their way inside along with the rising water.
The cleaning job ahead of you is likely to be gigantic, so you will have to buy huge quantities of disinfectants and cleaners. The University of Minnesota recommends taking photographs of any damage for subsequent insurance payments and beginning remediation in parts, starting with removing standing water from your home. Next, clear out the debris from your home, and then clean out the dirt that has invariably been left behind. From there, clean your home and repair any damage if necessary, which may require calling in experts to remove and replace drywall, clean or replace insulation, or even complete renovations.