So your area is prone to flooding... what do you do?

The damages due to flooding can be minimized if you consider the possible impacts beforehand, protect your property as best you can, and create a plan for yourself and your loved ones to make sure you are safe. Oftentimes during a crisis, stress can lead to improvisation, which can quickly turn problematic and even dangerous. Always plan ahead!

It is also important to have a plan for what happens afterwards. You may find structural damage to your property that needs to be repaired, or other unexpected complications upon returning to your home.

Before a Flood

• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
• Do not store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage.

During a Flood

• Know where to go if you experience power outages.
• Avoid driving unnecessarily in case roads are flooded.
• Be familiar with the best routes to the nearest hospital in case of a medical emergency.

After a Flood

• Consider in advance what kinds of structural damages might occur to your property, and be ready to address them.
• Check your electrical systems (carefully!) and make sure your water source hasn't been contaminated.