Individual and Community Preparedness Tips
Flood Safety Awareness
While early spring can be a welcome break from winter weather, it brings with it an increased risk of floods. As snow melts, it can unexpectedly overwhelm streams and other bodies of water that cause flooding, making now a good time to review flood safety measures.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. That is why flood insurance is so important. In addition to ensuring you have the right insurance coverage, here are some tips to keep in mind during the flood season:
- Learn about flood risks in your area. Check with your local government to learn the history of flooding in your area and follow their recommendations.
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and how to protect yourselves from flooding.
- Turn around. Don't drown. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
Understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. The National Weather Service often issues a flood watch before a flood warning. A watch means you should begin preparing for a possible evacuation because flooding is possible. A flood warning means flooding is occurring or about to occur, and you should take immediate action to protect yourself.
If you live in a flood zone, consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance is a separate policy from homeowner's and renter's insurance. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and approximately 60 insurance companies and NFIP Direct offers the insurance to the public. The program provides insurance to help reduce the economic impact of floods. To purchase flood insurance, call your insurance company or agent, or contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
For more information, visit www.ready.gov/floods.
If You Experience a Flood, Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Your Important Belongings?
Seventy-eight percent of the 2020 National Household Survey (NHS) respondents reported they had homeowner's (or renter's) insurance policies. However, only 21 percent of NHS respondents who lived in a flood-prone area said they had flood insurance. Flood insurance is important because most home insurance policies do not cover flooding. The reason why so few people have flood insurance may be because fewer than 2 percent of NHS respondents had read, seen, or heard about how to get it.
To learn more about flood insurance and to find a flood insurance provider, visit the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and floodsmart.gov websites. Remember, most homeowner's (and renter's) insurance policies often do not cover floods, and it takes about 30 days for flood insurance to go into effect after the purchase date. Increase your chances of remaining resilient after a flood by having flood insurance.
Updated Preparedness Curriculum Now Online!
Help children you know step into emergency readiness by taking a look at FEMA’s updated Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP) curriculum! STEP is newly revised and expanded for a range of ages and settings inside and outside of schools. Most important of all, this program is free for public use. These emergency preparedness lessons are tailored for students in the fourth grade and above, and include fun activities—many of which are now digital.
STEP guides students to create emergency kits and family communication plans. It also teaches students about disasters, from severe weather to wildfires. The program can be taught in schools, during scout programs, or as part of community events.
STEP includes three core lessons that can each be taught in as little as 30 minutes. Educators can also incorporate five supplemental lessons on specific disasters. A series of YouTube videos, called Disaster Dodgers, help introduce each concept to students. The activity book offers 18 activities to reinforce ideas and jumpstart creativity.
The updated STEP curriculum is available at Ready.gov/kids.
* Extracted from FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Email Newsletter
