Many people know that Texas is a large state. In total, the entire area spans over 170 million acres. Not as many people know that about 20 million acres of that land are prone to flooding.
In recent years, parts of Texas seem to flood more often than before. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you must know how to prepare for a flood.
Flood preparation can be a complex task. In this article, we’ll simplify the process by giving you five tips for flooding prep. Read on to learn more!
- Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance
Despite the threat that house floods pose, many people neglect to purchase a flood insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance for your home, you’ll have to find a way to cover the damages yourself. If you suffer significant flood damage, this responsibility can quickly become a burden.
Instead, find a flood insurance plan that can protect your home in the worst-case scenario. To find a plan, search with companies like Better Flood.
- Make a Flood Emergency Plan
If you live with others, make sure you develop an emergency plan you can all agree upon. This plan should include some of the following:
- When will you leave your house?
- Where will you keep your emergency kit?
- What will you do if your household isn’t together when the flood comes?
- Where will you go and how will you travel?
- Who will turn off electricity, gas, and water supplies?
- Where can you shelter if you can’t leave the property?
- When will you relocate pets? Keep in mind they usually can’t stay in an evacuation shelter.
Once you determine all of these points, make sure to write the answers down. It may help to create a document that everybody can access through their smartphone.
- Create an Emergency Kit
In the previous section, we mentioned keeping an emergency kit. However, your supply must include certain items. These include:
- Flood plan
- Documents like passports and IDs
- Non-perishable foods
- First aid kit
- Flashlight and battery-operated radio
- Spare house and car keys
Make sure everybody in the household knows where to find this kit. If you frequently commute in your day, it may help to keep some of these items in your car or briefcase.
- Relocating Items in the House
As flood conditions worsen, it’s wise to relocate items in the house. For example, you should relocate electrical sockets and power spots to somewhere above floor level. Likewise, you may want to consider moving some of your furniture above the floor level.
- Laying Sandbags
Finally, start laying sandbags to protect your home against water backflow. It’s best to lay these in rooms like the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen. Also, pile them in front of doors and brickwork vents.
Start Your Flood Preparation
It’s never too soon to form a flood safety plan. If you live in an area that could suffer flooding, start developing your plan today!
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