Weathering the Storm: Safeguarding Your Home From Flooding
As an Aberdeen resident, I’ve seen my fair share of rainy days. But with climate change making extreme weather the new normal, the threat of flooding has become a pressing concern for many of us. That’s why I’ve decided to share some practical tips to help you protect your home and give you peace of mind, no matter how hard the rain may fall.
Developing an Emergency Plan
The first step to being flood-ready is to have a solid emergency plan in place. Sit down with your household and discuss what you’ll do if floodwaters start to rise. Agree on a meeting spot in case you get separated, and ensure everyone knows the safest route to higher ground. Don’t forget to identify emergency contacts, both in and out of town, and make arrangements for loved ones with special needs or pets. Ready.gov has some great resources to help you get started.
Stocking Up on Supplies
With your emergency plan in hand, it’s time to put together a 3-day emergency kit. This should include essential tools, non-perishable food, and plenty of water – about a gallon per person per day. Don’t forget to include a copy of your emergency plan, as well as any necessary medications or important documents. Ready.gov has a detailed checklist to ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Staying Informed and Alerted
In the event of a flood, staying informed is key. Sign up for your local emergency alert system, like AlertSCC here in Santa Clara County, and make sure to monitor local news and government websites for the latest updates. You can also download helpful apps like the American Red Cross Emergency app, which can give you real-time flood alerts based on your location.
Understanding Your Flood Risk
Just because you don’t live right next to a river or stream doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to flooding. Use FEMA’s flood maps to determine if your home or business is located in a high-risk flood zone, and then reach out to your local floodplain manager to learn more about your specific risks and what you can do to protect your property.
Insuring Against the Unexpected
Even if you don’t live in a high-risk flood zone, it’s a good idea to purchase flood insurance. Most standard homeowner’s or renter’s policies don’t cover flood damage, so you’ll need to look into the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Just keep in mind that there’s usually a 30-day waiting period before your policy goes into effect, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Preparing Your Home
Now that you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to take a good, hard look at your home and see what you can do to fortify it against flooding. Free, filled sandbags are available from Valley Water for residents of Santa Clara County, and FEMA has a helpful Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting that outlines various flood-proofing techniques.
Keeping Debris and Trash at Bay
One often-overlooked aspect of flood preparedness is maintaining the health of our local waterways. Dumping trash or debris into streams and creeks can cause blockages and exacerbate flooding. So do your part by reporting any issues to your local authorities, and be mindful of what you’re putting down the drain.
Staying Safe When Floodwaters Rise
Finally, remember that even a few inches of moving water can be dangerous. Never attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas – it’s just not worth the risk. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route. And remember, floodwaters can be contaminated, so keep your kids (and yourself) far away.
As the rainy season approaches, I hope these tips have given you a better understanding of how to protect your home and keep your family safe. With a little preparation and some proactive measures, you can weather even the strongest storms with confidence. And don’t forget to visit ABC Home if you need any assistance with flood-proofing your property or tackling other home improvement projects.
Stay dry, my friends!
