Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the world.
There are very few areas of the world where flooding is not a concern. In fact, over 670 communities throughout the U.S. will face repeated flooding by the end of the century.
You might not be able to prevent floods from happening, especially in a place like Florida. You can, however, take steps to ensure you’re prepared in the event that one happens.
One of the best ways to do this is to put together a flood survival kit. Read on to learn what you should include in this kit to make sure all your needs are met.
Why Have a Flood Survival Kit?
Every family ought to have a flood survival kit at the ready. Having a survival kit available will provide you with a lot of peace of mind. These kits also come with the following benefits:
Access the Basics
If you’ve taken the time to prepare a survival kit, you’ll be able to access basics like food, water, and first aid supplies right away.
When your basic needs are met and you don’t have to try and combat the supply shortages that often accompany natural disasters, it’s much easier to face down an emergency like a flood.
Stay Safe
A survival kit also ensures you’ll be able to stay safe until help arrives. You’ll have access to medication, first aid supplies, and other tools you need to protect yourself and your family.
Save Time
If your kits are already prepared, you won’t have to waste time trying to gather supplies in the event that you have to evacuate your home. Instead, you’ll be able to grab what you need, head out the door, and make your way to safety as soon as possible.
What to Include in Your Kit
Okay, you can see why you need to have a survival kit ready to go. What should you include in this kit, though?
Here are some supplies every survival kit ought to contain:
Three-Day Water Supply
One of the most important things you need to have on hand during a flood (or any kind of natural disaster, for that matter) is clean, drinkable water. Make sure you have at least three days worth for every member of your family (including pets).
Three-Day Food Supply
You also ought to have at least three days of food at the ready, too. Invest in a collection of lightweight, pre-packaged foods that won’t go bad and can be eaten without first being heated up.
First Aid Kit
Purchase a first aid kit to keep in each member of your family’s survival kit, too. These first aid kits should contain basics like adhesive bandages, gauze, elastic bandages, and disinfecting wipes.
Radio
Be sure to have a radio at the ready, too. This will help you keep up with what’s going on in your area and find out whether there have been any evacuation alerts.
Flashlight and/or Lantern
You’re not going to be able to rely on electric lights during a flood. Instead, make sure everyone has easy access to a flashlight and/or lantern.
Batteries
You’ll want to make sure you have batteries for your flashlights and lanterns, too. Even if you have solar-powered lighting tools, you may still want to keep some batteries at the ready, just to be safe.
Phone Charger
Invest in a solar-powered phone charger, too. That way, you’ll be able to call for help and stay in touch with your family and loved ones even if you don’t have any power.
Whistle
Have a whistle in each of your family members’ survival kits, too. The sound of a whistle is an internationally-recognized distress signal.
Having access to a whistle will make it easy for your family to call for help and also make them easier to find.
Prescription Medications
If you or anyone in your family requires prescription medications, make sure you have a backup supply in their emergency kit.
Talk to their doctor about getting extras to keep on hand in the event that a flood occurs and they run out of medicine before they can get to a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Where to Keep Your Kit
It’s important to store your flood kit somewhere that’s easy to access. You need to be able to grab it and go as quickly as you can.
Many people like to store their kits near their back door or in their garage so they can make a fast exit with them if necessary.
Wherever you decide to keep your kits, make sure everyone knows where they’re located. That way, you can send someone to grab them without worrying about them not being able to locate them.
Bonus Flood Preparation Tips
You have your kit prepared, but what else should you do to protect yourself in the event that a flood hits?
Here are some additional flood preparation steps you may want to take to ensure you and your family stay safe:
- Set up barriers to keep water out of your home
- Use waterproofing compounds to seal the walls in your basement
- Pay attention to weather forecasts so you know when a flood is likely on its way
- Invest in flood insurance (especially if you live in a flood plain) to help offset losses
Remember to practice your emergency plan with your family, too. Having emergency kits is great, but you and your family also need to know exactly what to do with them if/when a flood occurs.
Prepare for a Flood Today
Nobody wants to have to deal with flooding in their home or their city. Sometimes, though, it’s unavoidable. In these cases, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.
Having a flood survival kit at the ready is a great first step. You also ought to make sure your home and your belongings are protected, though.
Investing in a flood insurance policy can help you ensure you can get the help you need in the event that a flood hits.
Contact us today at HH Insurance to learn more about our flood insurance or to get a free quote.
**This blog provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy for full details about coverage. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract.