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Floods come in all sizes, from the epic Noah and his ark size flood to the smaller, though damaging, flood from a broken dishwasher seal or hose. The time to prepare is before the water starts to flow.
For weather related floods, contact your county planning department to determine if your home is in a flood prone area. Find out what the local warning signals are. Know the evacuation routes and where emergency shelters are located. Practice flood evacuation with your family and have an out-of-state contact in case you get separated. Make sure everyone knows the contact's name, address, and phone number. If you have a second floor, put valuables upstairs to avoid water damage. Keep the gas tank full in your vehicle.
Prepare by stocking your home with emergency supplies. These should include a battery powered radio, multiple flashlights, and extra batteries. Have non-perishable food and a manual can opener as well as enough drinking water for 3 to 5 days, about 5 gallons per person. If you have pets, prepare for them also.
Have a first-aid kit which includes any prescription medications taken regularly. Put essential documents like medical records, insurance cards, and ID cards in water-proof containers. Compile all personal hygiene supplies along with baby wipes or disposable cleaning cloths to use if bathing is unavailable.
If there is a flood watch or warning stay tuned to local radio or television stations for updates. Know where the main power switch is for gas and utilities and how to turn them off if evacuation is necessary or if flooding occurs.
If you must evacuate, remember these tips from FEMA: do not walk through moving water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Do not drive through standing water as it will reach the bottom of your vehicle causing loss of control or possible stalling. A foot of water can float many vehicles and most SUVs can be carried away by 2 feet of rushing water. Even if your car doesn't stall, water may cover the tailpipe, filling the interior with carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
If your home is in a flood prone area, preparing to return home again is just as important as preparing for the flood. Most homeowner's insurance won't cover flood damage. Special insurance has been made available by congress called the National Flood Insurance Program and is sold through insurance agents. However, you should choose a trustworthy company that specializes in flood insurance and can properly determine what type of flood zone you are in and write the appropriate policy so that if a claim occurs, you will be paid fairly and without delay.
When researching flood insurance companies, Mac Rousinburg found AM Flood agents to be helpful and informative. The flood insurance quote Mac received for his home was a great coverage policy for a very reasonable rate