Flood is a natural calamity which can occur at anytime but it usually happens from spring to fall. During early spring, there is a high risk of floods as snow melts and overwhelms the streams. There are thunderstorms during spring and the months of summer bring heavy rainfall across different areas in the country. Floods are very common after a hurricane or a heavy monsoon. There are tropical storms in summer and fall which can cause immense flooding. Hence, it is important to understand when there are chances of a flood in your area so that you can be prepared in every manner possible.
Flood causes a serious condition and it can lead to fatalities as well as serious injuries to people who are trapped in the water or are swept away by heavy water. In addition, flooding can disrupt transportation routes, it could disrupt utility services, cause erosion, damage roads and bridges, pollute drinking water supplies, create mudslides and landslides and also cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes. It can cause serious damage to communities within a few minutes only.
Different ways you can be prepared for a flood
- Encourage people in your area to be prepared for a contingency
Each family in your community should be aware of the chances of flooding and should understand the steps to take in order to stay safe in case of a flood. Tamsin Jones from ArgyllEnvironmental.co.uk says that because floods are so common in the UK, there have been more efforts to educate communities about flood risk and prepare them in the event a flood happens. Each and every home should have property management ideas and know the risk associated with flooding. They need to stay aware about flood information in high risk periods.
- Lay out an emergency plan
You need to ensure that there is an emergency plan which lays out the procedure for each and every department during the flood. Whether you are a community or a corporate, you need to lay out a series of command for managing operations. It is a good step for emergency actions before there is a real flood. You need to maintain infrastructure which has high flood risks. Also look into the small streams that cross or culverts because floods could are common here. You need to watch out for changes in the flow of water in your community.
- Watch the flow of water during rainfall
Parking lots and roads speed up the flow of water and this could be really dangerous. Hence, you need to ensure that the water flows in the drainage systems without causing any damage. Ask the residents to reduce any kind of runoff because of a rain garden or any other type of green systems.
- Avoid construction in hazardous areas
You need to ensure that there is no construction in areas that are prone to flooding. If there is any sort of construction, ensure that the development standards have been followed. It is advisable to verify flood insurance maps before planning development of an area.
- Create a plan to prevent floods
The biggest element of the plan is to track the weather system and to inform residents about the potential danger of flood or heavy rainfall. Allow residents to prepare so as to reach a safer ground in due time.
It is advisable to invest in a flood insurance policy. The policy will protect a structure as well as its contents from damage caused by the flood. If you have any other insurance, it will not cover for the damages that are caused by a flood, hence, you will have to invest in a separate flood insurance plan. It covers the structure and your home. The policy will not cover the land on which your home is built. The coverage for structure includes foundation, air systems, electrical and plumbing, furnaces, refrigerators, water heaters, cooking stoves, built in appliances and permanently installed carpeting on unfinished floor.
The contents in your home can also be protected by an insurance policy and this includes your electronics, furniture, clothing, dishwashers, dryers, carpeting, portable air conditioner and microwave. Understand the terms and conditions of the policy before you buy one. You will also have to categorically consider the contents inside the home. Be aware of the value of the items for each category and understand the coverage limit well. Prepare well for floods and help members in the community prepare for the same in the best possible manner.
