Floods can happen without warning. Even if you don’t live near a river, one heavy rainstorm can change everything. Floods can happen anywhere, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Floods occur whenever rain, melting snow or even a dam break produces more water than the land can readily absorb. Use the following tips from the CPCU Society to protect your family and belongings from floods:
• Keep an up-to-date home inventory and other important papers in a secure place. If you must evacuate, take these items with you. Also, keep exact copies in a place away from home, such as a bank safety-deposit box.
• Utility services may be disrupted during floods. Stock non-perishable food that requires little or no cooking. Buy bottled water or prepare jugs for filling with water.
• Check portable radios and flashlights. Make sure you have new batteries on hand.
• Keep your car’s gas tank filled. Also, keep oil and gas tanks for your home heating system filled. This will help keep them from coming loose and causing damage to the foundation.
• Leave immediately when authorities tell you to...