Flood Preparation

Flooding occurs just about everywhere in the United States. Some simple precautions can save you major headaches should the water start to rise.

• Get the lay of the land Visit floodsmart.gov [2] to inform yourself about risks such as floodplains and erosion.
• Have a game plan Pick a place to meet if your family gets split up. Keep extra water, canned food, and batteries. Learn how to shut off your home’s gas and electricity.
• Raise ’em up Keep electronics off basement floors and elevate your furnace. Keep rain gutters clean.
• Don’t drive Nearly half of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Evacuate if ordered to do so; otherwise stay put.
• Cover up If you live in an area where the water sometimes rises, flood insurance can be a wise investment.

To learn about flood insurance through AAA, visit AAA.com/insurance [3].

This article was first published in March 2011. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.