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Coping With
a Flood - Before, During and After
One
of the most important things that you can do before a flood for the
financial protection of your home and family is to purchase a flood
insurance policy.
You can obtain a
flood insurance policy through your insurance company or agent.
Flood insurance is guaranteed through the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
Your homeowners
insurance does not cover flood damage. Don't wait until a flood is
coming to purchase a policy. It normally takes 30 days after
purchase for a flood insurance policy to go into effect.
Nobody can stop a
flood. But if you are faced with one, there are actions you can
take to protect your family and keep your property losses to a
minimum. The most important thing is to make sure your family is
safe.
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Keep a
battery-powered radio tuned to a local station, and follow
emergency instructions.
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If the waters
start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated,
retreat to the second floor, the attic, and if necessary, the
roof. Take dry clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with
you. Then, wait for help. Don't try to swim to safety; wait for
rescuers to come to you.
If time permits, here are other steps that you can take before the
flood waters come.
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Turn off all
utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve
if evacuation appears necessary.
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Move valuables,
such as papers, furs, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or
higher elevations.
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Fill bathtubs,
sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the
sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse, then fill with
clean water.
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Bring outdoor
possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans
inside, or tie them down securely.
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Do not drive
through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn
around and go the other way. More people drown in their cars
than anywhere else.
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Do not walk
through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water
can knock you off your feet.
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Stay away from
downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is
another major source of deaths in floods. Electrical currents
pass easily through water.
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Look out for
animals - especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in
floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours.
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If your home,
apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance
company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right
away to file a claim.
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Before entering a
building, check for structural damage. Don't go in if there is
any chance of the building collapsing.
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Upon entering the
building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other
open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a
flashlight to light your way.
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Keep electricity
off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
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Flood waters pick
up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your
home has been flooded, protect your family’s health by cleaning
up your house right away. Throw out foods and medicines that
may have come into contact with flood waters.
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Until local
authorities proclaim your water to be safe, boil water for
drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes before
using.
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Be careful walking
around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with
mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.
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Take steps to
reduce your risk of future floods. Make sure to follow local
building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use
flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and
your property from future flood damage.
For more
information about the NFIP and flood insurance, call 1-800-427-4661,
or contact your insurance company or agent.
For an agent referral, call 1-888-435-6637
TDD 1-800-427-5593.
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