It’s no secret that Mother Nature is hard to predict. Severe weather can occur without warning. And when it does, the results are often disastrous.
That’s why it’s important to be prepared.
During the spring and summer months, many areas of the country experience heavy rain, which can easily lead to flooding. If you aren’t sure how to prepare for a flash flood, you’ve come to the right place for the answers
This article takes a look at getting ready for a flood. Keep reading to discover everything you’ll need to know to keep your family safe when the weather turns bad.
Have a Backup Water Supply
First and foremost, you’re going to need water. You can survive without a lot of things during an emergency situation, but water isn’t one of them.
Fortunately, pottable water is one of the most affordable survival resources around. That’s why you need to stock up well in advance of bad weather.
You should buy five-gallon or one-gallon bottles, and even several cases of 12oz bottles, and keep them stored in the basement where you can easily get to them when a natural emergency arises.
This is the best way to prevent dehydration if you’re forced to shelter-in-place for an extended period of time.
Stock up on Emergency Food
You’ll also need food. Again, you definitely don’t want to wait until the last minute to create an emergency food supply. Stock up while times are good so that you won’t have to fight crowds or go without.
Focus on buying non-perishable food items that will last for months or years, and keep them in a dry, sealed location in the basement where bugs, mice, and other types of pests won’t find them.
Have a Backup Toilet Option
Sooner or later, you’ll need to use the bathroom. Even during a flood.
This could be as crude as using a 5-gallon bucket, but you’d be far better off investing in a porta-potty.
Being prepared means thinking of everything, but many people never consider what to do for a toilet system when they can’t get to the bathroom.
Here’s another tip in regards to toilets: before sealing yourself in the basement, be sure to flush each toilet in the house, and then immediately turn off the water supply. This will prevent the toilets from overflowing during the flood and creating a nasty mess.
Install Backflow Valves
This is another way to prevent floodwaters from entering toilets, drains, and other sewer connections.
During a flood, various sewer connections in your home might back up, forcing sewage into your bathtubs, dishwasher, or washing machines, causing them to overflow onto the floors in your home.
Installing backflow valves will help prevent this.
Install a Septic Pump Alarm
Your septic system could flood during a storm. This could happen for a number of reasons. When this happens, resist the impulse to flush the toilets until you’ve had an expert take a look at your septic system.
This is important because septic tanks can easily rupture or float free, resulting in sewage being sent into various parts of your home.
Septic alarms can help prevent this problem from occurring. These types of alarms will let you know that there’s an issue, allowing you to take action before the issue gets out of control.
Anchor Any Fuel Tanks That Might Contaminate Your Basement
It’s important to remember that flooding can get out of control in a hurry. Because of this, your basement might flood very quickly. Thus you need to take steps to prevent contamination in your basement.
What causes basement contamination? Fuel tanks are one source of contamination that can cause serious health issues. That’s why it’s important to anchor any tanks that could float around in floodwaters and rupture.
Another issue to consider is outside tanks that can be swept downstream, resulting in damage to neighboring homes. These tanks can easily break open, contaminate freshwater systems, and even light on fire.
Buy Sandbags and Plastic Liners
When it comes to preventing or limiting damage to your home, there are a few supplied you should stock up on. These include buying sandbags and plastic liners that can be used to help prevent outside water from seeping in.
Buy a Sump Pump
Another item on your flooding shopping list should be a sump pump. A quality sump pump with backup power will pump out water from your basement to help keep flooding to a minimum.
It’s important that your sump pump features battery backup in case your home loses power.
Make Sure You Have Flood Insurance
It’s also crucial to update your homeowner’s policy to make sure that it includes flood damage. Because you might be shocked at how quickly repair costs will add up.
This cost calculator is a great resource for every policy owner.
Have an Electrician Raise Your Electric Components
Make sure that your electrical sockets, switches, and wiring are at least twelve inches off the floor. This will help prevent floodwater from reaching these electrical sources, which can result in damage and possible fires. This will also ensure that as long as electricity is still running emergency services you have installed continue to function. If you have recently installed the best medical alert system you can find or rely on a sleep apnea machine, they would continue to work. People that rely on these types of machines should also consider having a generator at home to maintain continuous power during emergencies.
Post an “Emergency Checklist” on the Refridgerator Door
And finally, be sure to post a checklist on your refrigerator door. This allows you to check things at a glance when the weather turns nasty. Keep it posted there year-round, and keep it updated with all supplies you currently have on hand.
A Guide to How to Prepare for a Flash Flood
It can be scary when severe weather stricks. Fortunately, these tips for how to prepare for a flash flood will help you make the best of a bad situation.
Keep scrolling to discover more great lifestyle tips and advice.