Floodsmart

1. Be informed

Preparing for a flood must be made well in advance. The first step is to learn about the risks of flooding in your area. Check with your local Red Cross, planning department, zoning department or emergency management office for information on flood risk where you live. More risk, more important it is to be ready to take action.

2. Prepare a supply kit in case of disaster

The kit should include the following:

• Minimum of three days worth of nonperishable food and a non-electric can opener
• several gallons of water, enough to supply in 3-5 days
• personal hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins
• battery-powered radio, flashlight and batteries
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• Of clothes
• rubber boots and waterproof gloves
• First aid kit, including prescription drugs and manual

3. Protect your furniture and valuables

move the furniture on the top floor of your home. Prepare an airtight container and insurance documents, bank documents and identity documents and move them to a secure area. Identifying potential hazards of home and know how to secure or protect them before the strikes against flooding. Be prepared to turn off power, gas and water before evacuating. Secure structurally unstable building materials.

4. Know where you can go

You should never ignore an evacuation order. The authorities will ask you to leave if you're in an area with the greatest potential path of rising waters. Identify places you can go, if the authorities evacuate your area. Here are some possibilities of a relative or friend's home, a shelter or hotel. It will be useful to identify escape routes flood in advance if you know the shortest way to higher ground.

5. Ensure flood protection for your home

Floods can occur anywhere, but some regions are particularly vulnerable to severe flooding. If you plan to build a house in a flood zone, prepare for a flood while its construction. If your house is under construction, to raise it. Strengthen the building of barriers as floodwalls, levees or beams around your property. In flood situations, these barriers prevent floodwaters from entering your home too soon and help minimize flooding.

6. Get insurance against flooding

Chances are that flood damage is not included in your insurance standard insurance. If you're not sure what your insurance covers flooding, check your contract. If it does not cover damage to your home against flooding from a natural disaster, to find out how to get insurance against flooding .