Pocket Disaster Survival Guide by Harris J. Andrews; J. Alexander Bowers

Author:Harris J. Andrews; J. Alexander Bowers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2010-12-22T16:00:00+00:00

PREPARE FOR A FLOOD

• Find out if your home is located in an area where flash floods are likely by contacting the county geologist or your county planning department.

• Learn about community emergency plans, evacuation routes, and the location of emergency shelters.

• Consider raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in a part of your home that may be flooded. You can also consider installing sump pumps with backup power.

• Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains.

• A more elaborate preparation is to construct barriers (levees, flood walls, berms, and drains) that will stop or deflect moving water around your home. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compound to block seepage.

• Anchor outdoor fuel tanks. An unanchored tank can be swept away and damage other property.

Insurance: Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to find out if flood damage is covered. You will find that flood losses are usually not covered under most homeowner’s policies. If you are not covered, consider obtaining a separate flood insurance policy.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program, offering federally backed flood insurance to selected floodplain communities.

• Private flood insurance coverage is also available in most communities. Be aware, however, that there is usually a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect. (See Insurance, page 151.)

• Keep current copies of insurance policies and all important papers or valuables in a safety-deposit box.

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