Not all areas are so well protected from high tides and flooding. Dunes, dams and dikes hold back the water. The risk of flooding and extreme rainfall is increasing due to climate change. Do you already know how to deal with flooding? There are several steps you can take now to prepare for floods or heavy rains. Do you know the risks and whether you can obtain receive government alerts in emergency situations? Check out the 2 easy steps to get you going.
Understanding the risk
First, it’s important to understand the flood risk in your area. Floods can occur due to heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, storm surges, and even blocked drainage systems. Utilize resources like FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to determine the flood risk level of your home. This information will help you make informed decisions about the necessary precautions.
Create a flood plan
Make sure you know by heart the telephone numbers of your family doctor and your emergency contact person. Record all the important details of your closest relatives, such as addresses and phone numbers, in a single document. Store this document with your passport and other important papers. It is also important to always have enough food and drinking water at home in the event that a flood prevents you from leaving your home. Keep a small emergency kit ready in case the power supply goes out: it should include things such as a flashlight and/or tea lights.