FEMA Urges Residents to Prepare for Spring Flooding

Posted on April 4, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

With spring comes the chance of heavy rainfall and flooding, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency says now’s the time to make sure you’re ready.

FEMA officials suggest putting together an emergency supply kit with food, water, first aid supplies, medications, and a battery-operated radio. They also say residents should plan an evacuation route and practice it. Also, designate someone out of state as a “family contact” person and make sure everyone in your family knows that person’s phone number and address.

FEMA also has a few suggestions for protecting your home’s valuables. Conduct a household inventory and keep a record of all major items and valuables. Keep irreplaceable documents like birth certificates and passports in a safe deposit box, and store copies in a safe, dry place. FEMA officials urge residents to consider flood insurance, since homeowner’s insurance policies typically don’t cover floods. They warn not to wait until it’s too late, since policies don’t go into effect until 30 days after application and payment.

More flood safety tips can be found at Ready.gov.