Did you know floods are one of the most common hazards in the Unites States, and coastal areas are at greater risk of flooding during hurricane season from June to November?

September is National Preparedness Month and is the perfect time to learn what protective measures to take before, during and after a flood or hurricane. To begin preparing, it’s important to first build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. It is equally imperative for an organization to be proactive and take the relevant steps to plan.

In preparation for a flood, you should take the following additional measures:

• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home or office.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if you are near an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

In preparation for a hurricane, you should take the following additional measures:

• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
• If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height, and in a small interior room without windows. When flooding may be occurring, be prepared to take shelter on a floor safely above the flooding and wave effects.

For free information, tips, checklists, and preparedness toolkits click here!