Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the Australia. In fact, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, flooding caused $24.5 billion in damages in 2017. This means that it’s important to be prepared for a flood – not only financially, but also physically and emotionally. The article below will teach you everything you need to know about preparing for a flood, from what to do if you get warnings about one in your area, to how to protect your property.
Preparation Steps for Flooding
If you live in a flood-prone area, or are preparing for one, the following preparation steps will help keep you and your family safe.
1. Check the elevation of your home or business:
Preparation includes checking the current elevation of your property to see if it is at risk for flooding. There are several ways to do this, including using online mapping tools or contacting local officials.
2. Clean up any potential damage:
Flooding can cause extensive damage, both inside and outside your home or business. Make sure to clean up any messes that may have been made by the water and protect any valuable belongings that may be liable to flooding.
3. Keep an inventory of important documents and items:
Make sure to keep an inventory of important documents—such as insurance policies, passports, birth certificates—that may be affected by flooding. Additionally, make copies of important items such as deeds or mortgages so that you don’t have to carry them around with you during a flood evacuation.
4. Stock up on supplies:
Purchase enough food and water supplies to last for at least three days in case of a prolonged evacuation; have a first aid kit ready; prepare flashlights and candles; create an emergency shelter plan; be aware of which roads are closed due to flooding; keep pet food and supplies safe if you have them; purchase sandbags if needed.
How to Safely Evacuate Your Home
If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s important to be prepared for the potential of evacuation. There are a few things you can do to make sure your home is safe when a flood threat arises.
First, have an evacuation plan in place. Create a family communication plan and designate an adult to keep everyone updated on the situation. Make sure everyone knows where their emergency stash of belongings is located.
Next, make sure your home is Secure. Install floodproofing measures like elevated foundation or gutter protection, and seal any cracks and openings around doors and windows. Put up signs warning against entering if the water levels reach dangerous heights.
Finally, stay informed! Keep up with weather forecasts and watch local news for updates on flooding in your area.
What to do if You’re stranded in Your Home
If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t leave your home due to flooding, the following steps will help ensure your safety and comfort. First, be sure to keep all of your important documents and medications close by in case you need them during the flood. Second, make sure that all of your electrical appliances are turned off and unplugged so that they do not become damaged or cause further water damage. Finally, be sure to keep a supply of food and water on hand in case you are unable to access supplies for a prolonged period of time.
Tips for Protecting valuables
Preparation for a flood can mean the difference between losing your valuables and saving them. Here are five tips to help you protect your possessions:
1. Have an emergency plan in place. Make sure you have a detailed inventory of what’s in your home, and have an evacuation plan if necessary.
2. Keep items elevated. Move valuable items like artwork or electronics off the floor and onto shelves or racks. Place heavy objects on bricks, blocks, or other elevated surfaces to avoid water damage.
3. Create a safety zone. Protect important documents and photographs by placing them in plastic sleeves or hard-sided cases. Install alarms and window guards to keep intruders out.
4. Store perishables in sturdy containers. Store food in sealed containers that can be submerged in water (like buckets). Keep bottled water high and dry so it won’t become contaminated when flooding occurs.
5. Make copies of important documents and photos before storing them away. If something happens to your original document, you’ll at least have a copy to fall back on
Ways to Help Recovery Efforts
If you’re in the midst of a flood recovery effort, there are many things you can do to help make the process go more smoothly.
1. Get organized. Once you know what is damaged and where it is, start sorting through your belongings and making a list of what needs to be replaced or moved. This will help you prioritize your repairs and stay on track.
2. Make connections. Flood victims often feel isolated during their recovery process, but there are plenty of people willing to help out if they know how. Connect with your community organizing group, local disaster relief organizations, or other flood survivors to see if there is anyone who can offer assistance with housing, cleanup, or financial support.
3. Keep a positive attitude. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the damage and stress in a flood situation, but it’s important to remember that everything will eventually be okay. The most important thing you can do right now is take one step at a time and focus on healing yourself emotionally and physically.
4. Get organized with finances. Because floods can cause significant financial losses, it’s important to have a plan for rebuilding your life after the storm has passed. Make sure you have enough money saved up so that you don’t have to rely on government assistance or debt financing options when times get tough.
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, you’ll probably be preparing for a flood at some point in your life. Whether it’s monitoring forecasts and planning your escape routes or stocking up on supplies, it’s important to be prepared for whatever comes our way. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about flooding and how to prepare for it. Flood Restoration Canberra hope that by the end of this guide, you will have everything you need to make sure your family is safe and comfortable during any flooding event.