Did you know: According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods are one of the most common disasters in the United States? Even small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Plus, it only takes an inch or two of water to cause major damage to a home.
To prepare for a flood, you should:
- Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. Please contact EHD if you would like us to provide you with an emergency kit checklist or sample family communications plan.
- Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
- Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
- If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
