7 Flood Safety Tips To Be Evacuation Ready

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Safety is first during a flood in your area

When you learn of flood warnings in your area, you must be ready to leave quickly. Your chance of successfully evacuating depends on being properly prepared. Here are 7 safety tips to get you evacuation ready for a flood disaster:

1. Know the flood risk in your area. Check flood maps for your property’s risk. Also note the topography of the surrounding area. Where are rivers, creeks, high areas and low areas?

2. Know evacuation routes and alternatives. Check local authorities for existing routes. Increase your flood safety by anticipating areas that may be impassible such as small creeks that could channel larger amounts of water, low areas and bridges.

3. Know your destination. Have enough supplies to reach your destination and make sure your family knows where to find you.

4. Keep your car filled with gas. You won’t have time to wait in line at a gas station when evacuating, or worse, risk not getting gas due to a shortage from demand in the local area.

5. Keep emergency cash ready. ATMS will have long lines and quickly run out of cash.

6. Keep a “go bag” so you can leave fast. Having some personal items as well as non-perishable food, water and medications in a bag is a great way to prepare for a fast departure.

7. Make a communication plan. Remember that communications can be disrupted during disasters and flood safety includes having a plan for this. Designating a distant friend as a point of contact for your family is best.

Flood safety includes returning home to Asheville, NC, only after the flood waters recede and local authorities determine it is safe. Do not drive through flood waters and do not go around police barricades, which are there for your safety. You will have a big job ahead of you with cleanup, but a professional remediation company can guide you through the process.

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