Safety tips for coastal and inland flooding

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Insurance Administration

Hurricanes are the greatest storms on earth. You should be concerned about them, whether you live on the coast or inland.

For Coastal Residents:

If you live near the Gulf of Mexico or along the Eastern Seaboard, you probably know the hurricane season starts in June and can continue through November. As the hurricane season approaches, you should prepare for it. Locate the low-lying sections of your community so you can avoid them. Find the safest route to high ground. After you have made all the necessary preparations to protect your family and your property, are you fully ready to deal with a hurricane?

Are you sure? Do you have flood insurance? Many people do not know their homeowner's insurance policy does not cover losses from flooding.

Most coastal damage caused by hurricanes is the result of flooding from giant waves driven by the hurricane winds. A hurricane could wipe out your property improvements. If the insurance adjuster determines flooding caused the devastation, not the hurricane winds, you could be out of luck unless you have flood insurance.

For Inland Residents:

People who live well inland from the coast often feel they will not be affected by an approaching hurricane, since they will not experience the crushing hurricane winds and waves. True, as a hurricane moves inland, its wind forces weaken rapidly. But inland flooding caused by hurricanes can be extensive. The tons of water the storm picked up over the ocean will be released as the storm moves inland. Rainfall from a hurricane sometimes can be measured in tens of inches.

Inland residents also need to prepare for hurricanes by purchasing flood insurance. Remember, the damage to your home and its contents is not covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. Even if the flooding in your home measures only one or two inches, it can mean ruined carpets, some furniture destruction, perhaps even the loss of a major applicance. And if the water did structural damage, the costs of repair and restoration could mean the end of vacation plans, a child's education plan, even a major setback to your long-range budget plans. Without flood insurance, a major flood loss could add up to financial ruin.

• Purchase flood insurance. If the community you live in has joined the National Flood Insurance Program with a pledge to adopt flood plain management measures, you will be eligible to apply for it. Only a five-day wait is required for your flood insurance policy to become effective. Renters can buy policies to protect their personal property against possible flood damage, too.
• A Federal program, the Nation Flood Insurance Program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, makes this possible. A simple call to your insurance agent or broker starts the process to cover your home, possessions, and business. Your agent or broker will help you decide how much coverage you need.
• List all your personal property. make an itemized list of your furnishings, clothing and valuables. This list is your protection and will help prove your claims are valid. It's a good idea to take pictures of these items, as well as of your home - both inside and out. These photos will help adjusters to settle your claims. They can also help prove uninsured losses, which are tax deductible.
• Keep your policy and your list of personal property in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. Be sure to remember, or to carry in your wallet, the name and address of the agent or broker who wrote your policy.
• Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to high, safe ground, should a flood occur. Practice taking these routes. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to safety.

• Keep your battery-operated radio turned to a local station, and follow all instructions. Keep calm, but if you are told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to safe, high ground
• Turn off all utilities at the main switch if evacuation is necessary - BUT ONLY IF TIME PERMITS . Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area or you are standing on a piece of dry wood with rubber footwear and gloves on.
• Open basements windows to equalize water pressure on the foundations and walls... BUT ONLY IF TIME PERMITS .
• Move all the valuables you can to a higher floor if there is one - BUT, AGAIN, ONLY IF TIME PERMITS . Be aware that floods are deceptive. Avoid already flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross any stretch of flood waters on foot if the water is above your knees.
• Know that in floods cars can become coffins. DO NOT DRIVE WHERE WATER IS OVER ROADS . Under those flood waters, the road could already be washed away and rapidly rising water could lift the car and carry it away - with you in it. Getting your feet wet on the way to higher ground is preferable to never getting there.
• Be extra careful if you have to evacuate in your car at night. In the dark, you can't see the flood dangers. If, by mistake, you find yourself driving in water and the car stalls, get out of the car and climb to high ground immediately.
• If you're caught in the house by the suddenly rising flood waters, move to the second floor and/or, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing and a flashlight with you, as well as your battery-operated radio. Don't try to swim to safety. Wait for help. Rescue teams will be looking for you.

• Call the insurance agent or broker who sold you your flood insurance policy immediately, if your home, apartment or business has been damaged by the flood. The agent will submit a loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to inspect the property. That adjuster will call on you as soon as possible to inspect the damage your property has realized. Those with the most serious damages will be handled first.
• Have handy your insurance policy and your list of possessions to simplify the adjuster's work. This will help settle your claim sooner.
• When it is safe to return to your home, before you enter the house, be sure that the structure is not in danger of collapsing.
• Open windows and doors to let the air circulate. This will help remove foul odors and protect you from escaping gas. It will also help dry out the house. Take pictures of the damage - both to the house and its contents.
• Don't strike a match or use a flame when you enter the house. Escaping gas could cause a tragic explosion. Watch for live electrical wires. Be sure the electrical current is turned off, and do not attempt to turn on any electrically operated light or appliance until an electrician has checked your system.
• Begin cleanup as soon as possible. Throw out any perishable foods; they may be contaminated. Hose down hardgoods such as major appliances and furniture, even if they are destroyed. You need to keep these for the adjuster's inspection. The adjuster will help you make decisions on repairing possessions or getting rid of them.
• Pump out the basement if it is flooded, but do it gradually. Drain one-third of the flood waters each day, to minimize further structure damage. Shovel out the mud while it is still moist and dry rugs and carpets thoroughly.
• Make any temporary repairs necessary to stop further losses from the elements or from looting.

Floods cause more damage nationwide then any other natural disaster. If you live in a flood-prone area, be smart. Protect yourself and your family from the consequences of a flood disaster. It could happen to you.

Call your local insurance agent or broker now to ask about flood insurance.

For general information write: Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Insurance Administration Washington, D.C. 20472

If you live in an unsafe structure, mobile home or residence subject to flooding, be prepared to evacuate when recommended by State and local officials.

• Before hurricane season check with local emergency management officials for evacuation plans in your area and obtain a copy.
• Select your evacuation route as identified in plan and your destination:
• Friends and relatives well outside the flood risk area
• Hotel or motel
• Public Shelter
• Keep your car fueled.
• Carry along survival supplies:
• Family medication
• First aid kit
• Bottled water and canned or dried provisions
• Infant provisions and games, etc., for children
• Keep important papers with you in a waterproof container at all times:
• Insurance policies
• Household contents inventory
• Mortage Papers
• Shut off water, electricity and gas when told to do so.
• Return home when authorities tell you it is safe.

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Last updated:  June 17, 2009