As many Floridians know, floods are a common natural disaster to occur in our state. In fact, they are the most common natural disasters in the United States. With Florida being at an increased risk of experiencing flood damages, it is pivotal you and your family take steps to prepare yourselves and your property for flood events.
5 Tips for Creating Your Flood Evacuation Plan
Taking steps to create an evacuation plan for you and your family is a must when it comes to a flood event. Keeping your family safe and calm during a disaster should be your top priority. As such, we would like to provide these 5 tips for creating your evacuation plan:
- Sign up to receive local weather alerts to be aware of a flood event could occur in the near future.
- Gather supplies should you need to leave quickly. Be sure to consider each family member's specific needs such as special foods/drinks or medication.
- Be sure each member of your family is aware of all the exits in your home and where they need to go should you need to evacuate.
- Floodwaters pose severe dangers, so it is important your evacuation plans include multiple ways to evacuate.
- Be sure to review your plan with all members of your family frequently.
Protecting your Belongings and Property
It is recommended you take steps to secure your possessions and protect your property. Doing so can significantly reduce damages and expenses afterward. Before a possible flood event, elevate, or bring valuables, electronics, rugs, and furniture to a second floor if you can. Store smaller valuables and important documents in a sealed, waterproof container. If time permits, place sandbags around your home to divert moving water.
Planning Ahead: What to Do After A Flood
Due to the severe danger floodwaters can cause, it is important you also plan ahead for the aftermath of a flood event. Floodwaters can contain dangerous debris, wildlife, and can be contaminated. It is also important to be aware of the risk of electrocution as downed of underground powerlines could electrically charge flood water. Nobody should walk or drive through flooded areas, as just a few inches floodwater could knock you down or have a driver lose control of their vehicle. Be sure you and your family listen to authorities and only return home when it is safe to do so. Remember, once you have safely arrived home, take time to survey your property and take pictures of damages to present to your insurance company should you need to file a claim.
Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance
One aspect of being prepared is to make sure you are also financially protected. As we have seen in recent years, floods can cause significant damage and costly destruction. Should you fall victim to a flood event, you want to make sure you have insurance coverage to not have to face the financial burden of repairing your home or replacing your belongings. Obtaining flood insurance will keep you afloat and return to normalcy as quickly as possible. Flood protection is not typically covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy, you would need to obtain flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier such as Edison Insurance Company. We offer flood coverage to qualifying policyholders eliminating the need for a standalone policy. To learn more about obtaining flood coverage from Edison, speak to your agent or call us at 866-568-8922
