March 16 – 22 was National Flood Safety Awareness Week for 2014. Even if you live in an area which does not normally experience flooding, now is the time to learn about the potential risk in your area, should you experience unusual weather this season, as Colorado saw last year, and to plan ahead if you will be travelling to flood-prone areas.
Flood Insurance
Homeowners are often shocked to learn that flood coverage is not included in their homeowner’s insurance. If you are not sure if you are covered, call your insurance agent or company today and find out. If you need to purchase extra coverage, you will probably need to do it well in advance in order to be covered when the threat arises. Insurance companies have safeguards in place to protect themselves from having to pay up when people wait until the last minute to sign up for flood insurance.
Have a Plan
Plan your escape route by learning where flooding is likely to be the worst on your normal routes, and knowing the faster way to get away from rising waters that threaten your home and the places that you frequent. Make a plan with your family for where you will go, where you plan to meet if you are not together when a flood emergency occurs, and how you will get in touch if local communications are compromised. You may want to establish a contact, such as an out-of-town relative or friend that you can all touch based with.
Be Prepared to Evacuate
Plan what you will take and what you will pack it in now. Go ahead and give that a practice run, so you know you can find everything you need and put it together quickly. Make a checklist and keep it in an easy to find location. Your list should include supplies for all family members and pets, including any medications, food, water, toiletries, and extra clothing.
Don’t forget to have enough collars, harnesses, and carriers for your pets, even if they do not normally need to use them when you take them out and about. In a chaotic emergency situation you don’t want to take any chances of your pets getting lost and if you have to go to a shelter or meeting place, these restraints may be required, and will help protect your pets from other anxious and frightened animals.
