Prepare Yourself for a FlashFlood With These Tips

Prepare Yourself for a Flash Flood With These Tips.

It is not uncommon for people to underestimate the danger of flash floods.

While some may assume it's nothing more than a bit of water... ... flash floods are actually extremely powerful and can occur with little to no warning following a heavy storm.

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They can overwhelm rivers, streams and man-made water containment systems, making roads impassable, uprooting trees and causing power outages.

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As little as six inches of flood water can knock a person over and as little as 12 inches can move a car.

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Here are eight tips to help prepare yourself and your family for a flash flood.

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1.

Sign up for some sort of alert system so that you can know of any flood threats as soon as possible.

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2.

Create an emergency plan and practice it so that everyone fully understands their role in it.

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3.

Make sure to regularly maintain your sump pump.

4.

Always listen to first responders.

If they advise you to do something, such as not venture out into flood waters, follow their instructions.

5.

Prep a survival kit with some sort of light source, a first aid kit, high-energy food bars and plenty of drinking water.

6.

Make sure to regularly clean out any blockages in your gutters and downspouts.

7.

Move important items that are in the basement to higher ground: such as the attic or on lofted shelving.

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8.

Consider purchasing flood insurance and creating a written and photographic inventory of your property.