Natural Disaster Readiness: Are you Prepared for a Flood?

I am all about learning from disasters to better prepare for them in the future and the recent landfall of Hurricane Joaquin has provided some definite lessons. Of course most of this info is old hat for people who live in flood zones, but regardless, it is a good refresher for all of us.

• Do your Homework!

If you live in a low-lying area near a major river or coastal area, or even if you are not sure about the area you live in, I recently published an article from my friend Sam Culper at GuerrillAmerica regarding accessing Flood Plain Data.  Do your research now…Don’t neglect things like this!

• Like all Emergencies, HAVE A PLAN and PRACTICE and/or REVIEW This PLAN regularly with your family.
• It is not a bad ideal if you live in a low lying area to go ahead and  pre-select a high point of ground that you can “fallback” too in the event of a flood. Of course, depending on how bad the flooding is, no high point of ground may be high enough, but regardless, have a place like this in mind.
• Understand when you CAN and CANNOT drive a vehicle in rising waters; Some of the worst predicaments, and some fatalities, have occurred from people DRIVING in a flood. Know the vehicles limitations and don’t be stupid!
• Alternative: Purchase a Flat bottom boat with motor and know how to operate it. Make sure it can transport you and all members of your family safely.  If you are solo, or just can’t afford a boat, you can buy a canoe or kayak…do’t forget the oars (things you paddle with).
• Purchase Life Jackets for everyone and a Life Ring with at least 20 foot of rope attached. Its not a bad ideal either to go ahead and purchase a strobe beacon like one of THESE for each life jacket either. In bad weather or low visibility they could literally save your life if you fall overboard or get swept away in the current.
• Keep ALL essential and important papers in a waterproof sleeve or container.
• At first sign that you will have to evacuate, have a pre-conceived ideal what you want to save and have waterproof boxes to store them in. Understand, you wont be able to save everything and Insurance can replace most material things, so pictures and family heirlooms should be first.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.
• Store Drinkable Water Now! One of the biggest concerns for these flood victims is having no drinkable water; the flood waters collapsed the water supply and tainted it. So right now, start storing up Gallon Jugs of water. There is a plethora of information out there on this subject, but Here are a few guidelines.
• Like all Disasters, Have your BOB (Bug-Out-Bag) ready to go and stocked.

Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!