How to Survive the Flood Before and After the Water

​Millions of Americans live in flood-prone areas. That’s a problem if you don’t have any protection for your home at all. In fact, most people underestimate the power of flooding. That’s one thing you shouldn’t do at all. Here are four things you should remember in order to survive the flood before and after the waters. 

Know whether the usual type of flood in the area is a river flood or a coastal one. You should see whether they're storm surges, inland floods, burn scar floods, or flash floods. If you understand what type of flood frequents your place, you can prepare for it better.

If you have information about a flood that's coming very soon, get into damming your property. That will protect it from the floodwaters. Get yourself sandbags and lay them strategically to block flooding and to divert the water. Make a wall of sandbags around your entire house. Use water dams for added protection. You can also use a sump pump that runs on batteries. That will pump the water out of the house. Also, whatever happens, pack your things already, and take pictures of your place while it’s intact.

Once the flood hits, you should turn off the electricity and the gas right away. Find the main switch and shut it down fast. Evacuate as soon as possible although it’s best to evacuate early. If you do, lock all the doors and windows. If you choose to stay, get yourself and your family to safety. Use a neon paint signal to call for help, especially at night. 

As soon as the carnage is over, take stock of what remains and what’s missing. Contact your friends and relatives. Take a lot of pictures and document all damage. That will give the insurance company an idea about the extent of the damage. Don’t turn on the gas or electricity yet as the wet power lines can create an electric spark that may cause an explosion. Check out what you’ve lost to looters. 

Damage due to floods does not belong to home insurance coverage. You need to get flood insurance to cover the damage caused by a flood. However, make sure you get this at least a month before you have to use it. Thus, don't wait before it's too late.

After you've rebuilt your home, help rebuild the community you're in. Other people would need a few extra hands, especially the elderly. Others would need a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. Get flood insurance and even tell your neighbors to do the same.

At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (409) 945-4746. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.