Be Prepared for Flooding in 2018!
As we come to the close of 2017, we look back on a crazy year of flooding in the United States. Most notable is the flooding in Texas as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Parts of Florida also experienced some major flooding this year, as the result of some record breaking storms. As 2018 approaches, Big Bags USA® aims to help individuals and communities be prepared for whatever flooding events may come in the new year. Keep reading to learn what you, as an individual, can do to be better prepared in 2018!
1. Discuss a flood plan with your family. Talk about what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued. Doing this before a flood is imminent helps to reduce fear, particularly in younger children. To avoid being trapped when floodwaters threaten, evacuate before flooding starts.
2. Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts. You can find an online NOAA radio station, search for the NOAA radio app in your moble app store or purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio. This will be the best way to stay up-to-date on flood and weather information in your area.
3. Make sure your flood insurance is up-to-date! Keep in mind that flood insurance is separate from your homeowners insurance, and typical homeowners policies do not cover flood damages. Flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program.
4. Be aware of any nearby streams or rivers that flood easily, and know your risk of how that type of flooding could affect you. That could be directly to your property if you live close enough, or it could have an affect on your driving route to work, school, etc.
5. Keep important documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. You don't want them to get damaged or lost during a flooding event. In addition, take pictures of your property and belongings and keep them on a flash drive, along with digital copies of your important documents. Keep this with you, such as on a key ring with your house or car keys.
6. Prepare an emergency kit for your and your family, and don't forget your pets. Pack a bag with important items that you would need to grab quickly in the event of an evacuation. Don't forget to include any medications, and some non-perishable snacks.
7. If you live in a floodplain, elevate and reinforce your home to make damage less likely during a flood. Check with a professional before raising a furnace, water heater or other electrical items.
8. Install check valves in your plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. As a last resort, you can use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins when flood waters are a threat.
9. Construct flood barriers to stop floodwater from entering buildings. Big Bags USA® flood barriers are much more efficient than traditional sandbags when it comes to protecting your property.
10. Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
11. Make sure your sump pump is working properly and then install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.
12. Bring in any outdoor furniture and other items and move essential items to upper levels of your home. Even just a few inches of water in your home can ruin property.
13. When a flood is imminent, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect any electronics and/or electrical appliances.
14. Install a water alarm to alert you when water is accumulating in your basement.
In addition to what you can do to protect yourself and your own property, you can get involved in preparing your community. Let emergency officials in your area know that there's a better solution to flood protection than traditional sandbags. Save time and money by choosing Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems!
Happy New Year from Big Bags USA®! Our goal for 2018 is to continue assisting communities and individuals in times of need. We plan to do this through education, while also providing a quality flood protection product. We want to assist in the pre-flood time frames to help minimize property damage. Big Bags USA® is committed to helping you be better prepared in 2018!
Flood Preparedness Tips
1. Discuss a flood plan with your family. Talk about what to do if a flood watch or warning is issued. Doing this before a flood is imminent helps to reduce fear, particularly in younger children. To avoid being trapped when floodwaters threaten, evacuate before flooding starts.
2. Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts. You can find an online NOAA radio station, search for the NOAA radio app in your moble app store or purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio. This will be the best way to stay up-to-date on flood and weather information in your area.
3. Make sure your flood insurance is up-to-date! Keep in mind that flood insurance is separate from your homeowners insurance, and typical homeowners policies do not cover flood damages. Flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program.
4. Be aware of any nearby streams or rivers that flood easily, and know your risk of how that type of flooding could affect you. That could be directly to your property if you live close enough, or it could have an affect on your driving route to work, school, etc.
5. Keep important documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. You don't want them to get damaged or lost during a flooding event. In addition, take pictures of your property and belongings and keep them on a flash drive, along with digital copies of your important documents. Keep this with you, such as on a key ring with your house or car keys.
6. Prepare an emergency kit for your and your family, and don't forget your pets. Pack a bag with important items that you would need to grab quickly in the event of an evacuation. Don't forget to include any medications, and some non-perishable snacks.
7. If you live in a floodplain, elevate and reinforce your home to make damage less likely during a flood. Check with a professional before raising a furnace, water heater or other electrical items.
8. Install check valves in your plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home. As a last resort, you can use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins when flood waters are a threat.
10. Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks.
11. Make sure your sump pump is working properly and then install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.
12. Bring in any outdoor furniture and other items and move essential items to upper levels of your home. Even just a few inches of water in your home can ruin property.
13. When a flood is imminent, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect any electronics and/or electrical appliances.
14. Install a water alarm to alert you when water is accumulating in your basement.
Flood Preparedness in Your Community
In addition to what you can do to protect yourself and your own property, you can get involved in preparing your community. Let emergency officials in your area know that there's a better solution to flood protection than traditional sandbags. Save time and money by choosing Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems!
Happy New Year from Big Bags USA®! Our goal for 2018 is to continue assisting communities and individuals in times of need. We plan to do this through education, while also providing a quality flood protection product. We want to assist in the pre-flood time frames to help minimize property damage. Big Bags USA® is committed to helping you be better prepared in 2018!
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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