Prepare for Spring Flooding
At the end of every winter, we might forget about the previous spring rains and subsequent flooding that might have occurred in the area.
But when unrelenting rain starts to fall, one thing you don’t want to experience is regret in not being prepared, whether it is from leaks related to your roofing, windows, or the possibility of a flooded basement.
While those might seem like minor issues, when they happen to you, they quickly move up to disastrous. Make sure your home is safe, secure, and devices like your sump pump (if you have a basement) are in good condition.
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Learn how to stay safe when a flood threatens. Prepare for a flood During a flood After a flood Associated content Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
But when heavy rains hit your area, and flooding is a possibility, the website ready.gov has some great advice for your preparedness plan.
Make a plan
This is important to do in advance, as when an emergency strikes you will be in panic mode. Have a discussion with family members, about what you will do, where you will go, where you might meet up if separated and mobile phones are not working. Be sure to discuss your pets as well and have a plan for them. Human life is invaluable, and we feel the same way about our pets. Have a written list of important phone numbers in case your cell phone loses charge or isn’t functioning.
Build a ‘go-kit’
Have the necessities in a backpack or other easy-to-grab bag. Necessities include documents, such as birth certificates, passports, legal documents, and other papers you should not lose. Having some cash is important in the event credit cards can’t be used. Clothing, medications, and other necessities should also be in your ‘go-kit’ supplies. Basically, think about what you simply can’t go without for several days if you have to be out of your home.
Check your insurance policy
Now is the time to make sure you have coverage for natural disasters that might strike your home. Don’t assume. Ask your insurance agent and make sure you have it spelled out clearly in your policy. Not all natural events are covered by regular homeowner policies.
Prepare for a power outage
Are you ready for the electricity to go out? Take these steps so you’re prepared if your power goes out for an extended period of time:
- Address medical concerns that rely on a consistent power supply.
- Talk to your doctor about what to do during a power outage.
- Discuss your concerns with your power company so they can put you on their priority list.
- Manage your electricity needs.
- Fire up your generator and be sure it’s in good working order your expensive electronics.
- Charge your phones and any other electronic devices.
- Fill the car and generator gas cans with fuel, and then swing by the store to grab some non-perishable foods
Sign up for weather text alerts
To get real-time National Weather Service alerts, download the FEMA app to your smartphone. That way you’ll have access to important emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters, too. Even if you live a few hundred miles from the coast, be sure you’ve got an emergency plan in place hurricane season is not far away.
Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sends text messages to keep you updated on emergency situations. But long before anything gets that severe, your local government, weather channel, radio stations and power companies have similar services that let you know what’s happening in your region. The more information you get, the easier it is to plan and prepare. You can sign up for Unique Upholstery, Carpet & Rug Cleaning local weather service alerts for your area.
The weather is changing, and it is good to be ready for the upcoming weather. It’s important that you know what steps to take so that you can take immediate action to prevent damage to your home. When in doubt about anything related to the upcoming weather issues, water damage, mold contamination, whatever it is, do the right thing. Call Unique Upholstery, Carpet & Rug Cleaning for a consultation. We are here to help.