BE PREPARED Flood plan

Disaster authorities stress the importance of planning to prepare for a flood. Besides constructing a home out of flood-resistant materials and purchasing flood insurance, here are some ways to get ready for a flood:

Prepare your house

Make sure your sump pump is working.

Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

Anchor any fuel tanks to prevent supply lines from breaking and to keep the tank from damaging property.

Have a licensed electrician raise electric components such as switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.

Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

If your washer and dryer are in the basement, elevate them on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

Safeguard your possessions

Make sure any photos or videos of all of your important possessions are in a safe place. These documents will help you file a full flood insurance claim.

Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects such as photographs where they won’t get damaged.

If major flooding is expected, move furniture, appliances and valuables to the upper levels of your home.

Develop a family emergency plan

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

Don’t forget to have a plan for your pets.

Source: Floodsmart.gov and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources