If a flood is predicted in your hometown, don’t waste one moment stressing out! Instead, prepare for the worst in order to reduce the time, effort and money that will be needed once the floodwaters subside.
Personal Inventory
Before reimbursing you for your losses, your insurance carrier may require you to create a personal inventory detailing your belongings. This can be easily done by taking a laptop room to room and writing down your valued belongings, their worth and taking photos of everything along the way. Save receipts for high-dollar items and appraise your jewelry and/or collectibles for the most accurate assessment of the value of your belongings. Keep this inventory somewhere safe, such as on a cloud drive, in a safety deposit box and/or filed with your insurance carrier.
Home Preparation
You may be lucky enough to remove irreplaceable items before a flood hits. If you have a few days, you may even consider removing artwork, furniture and even the carpeting. Whether or not you have time to remove items, you can still take steps to reduce the potential damage within your home. Turn off and unplug all appliances. Raise large appliances, such as the washer and dryer, on cinder blocks above the projected flood level. Move everything you can onto high shelves, especially electronics and other items that would be ruined in a flood. Before evacuation, turn off the water, electricity and gas.
Emergency Supplies
Every family should plan for emergencies, including evacuation routes from home, work and school. After evacuating, you may need an emergency supply kit to ensure that your family, including pets, can survive for a few days while the disaster is handled by authorities. Your kit should include:
- A three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for each person and animal
- First aid supplies and prescription meds
- Flashlights and a weather radio with extra batteries
- Cell phones and a camera with chargers
- Blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothing
- Baby and pet supplies as needed
- Sanitation and hygiene products, including sunscreen
- Multi-purpose tool
Flash floods can strike at a moment’s notice, but never take a predicted flood lightly. Preparing in advance can save you money and a lot of worry.
We’ll help you prepare for the worst. Call Ed Weeren Insurance at 512.454.5266 for more information on Austin flood insurance.