Preparing for Floods and Fires – What You Need to Know

These tips will help you stay prepared in case of a flood, fire, or other natural disaster so that your family and home stay safer. 

Floods, fires, and other natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes can happen fast and without much warning. One minute you’re going about your day as usual, and the next, you might need to quickly evacuate or shelter in place. That’s why being prepared before a crisis occurs is one of the smartest things you can do to help keep you, your family, your pets, and your home safer. 

Here are some tips to prepare in advance so you’re ready if floods, fires, or other disasters occur where you live: 

• Make an emergency plan. Do not wait until something bad happens to figure out what to do. Sit down with your family and make a plan ahead of time. Talk about where you’ll go if you need to leave quickly, how you’ll stay in touch, and what to do if you get separated. Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 and understands any local warning systems, like sirens or emergency alerts on phones. Practice your plan regularly, especially with kids.
• Build an emergency kit. Whether you need to leave in a hurry or wind up stuck at home with no access to power or water, you’ll want to be prepared. Pack a “go bag” with essentials and keep your kit in a spot that’s easy to grab in a hurry. You might also want to keep one in your car. At a minimum, your bag should include these supplies:
  • Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
  • Non-perishable food (and a can opener if needed)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Copies of important documents
  • Medications, healthcare supplies, glasses, and/or assistive devices
  • Cell phone chargers or power banks
  • Face masks, hand sanitizer, and hygiene items
  • Cash in small bills
  • A change of clothes
  • Items for babies or pets if needed
• Get your home ready. If floods are likely, know how to shut off your home’s electricity and gas. Move valuable items and important documents to the second floor, use waterproof containers or remove things from your home. Place sandbags to help keep water from seeping through doors. If you’re at risk for fires, create a safety zone around your home by clearing away dry leaves, branches, and anything flammable. Trim trees and bushes and keep your roof and gutters clean.
• Stay informed. Sign up for local alerts so you’ll know right away if there’s a danger in your area. During an emergency, listen to the radio, watch the news, or check official websites for updates. Social media can be helpful but stick to trusted sources, so you don’t fall for rumors.
• Know when to go. Sometimes the best thing you can do is go. If local officials tell you to evacuate, follow their instructions and don’t wait until it’s too late. If you ever feel unsafe, trust your instincts. It’s better to leave early than to get trapped by floodwaters or flames.