Listen to your local news and emergency officials regularly for updates on the situation. Sometimes flooding can happen quickly, however, you can always find the latest forecasts and hazardous weather conditions at www.weather.gov and water.weather.gov.
In addition, some smart phones are able to receive Flash Flood Warning alerts via the Wireless Emergency Alerts system. You also can learn more about common types of flooding and what flood warnings mean on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website.
While taking personal safety precautions take time to develop a family emergency plan and assemble a family emergency kit to keep your family safe and make a bad situation a little more tolerable.
Use the checklist below to reduce property damage to your home:
- Store important documents, like your insurance policy declarations, birth certificates and passports, in a place safe from flooding and take these documents with you if you plan to evacuate.
- Clear drains, gutters and downspouts of debris.
- Move furniture and electronics off the floor, particularly in basements and on first floor levels.
- Roll up area rugs, where possible, and store them on higher floors or elevations. This will reduce the chances of rugs getting wet and growing mold.
- Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper operation. If a sump pump has a battery backup, make sure the batteries are fresh or replace the batteries.
- Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets will be under water.
- Place all appliances, including stove, washer and dryer on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
How to Report a Flood Claim
Flood insurance claims may be reported by calling our Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-647-8052 or online using the flood insurance portal. Login to your account to report a flood claim. If you do not have an account, you will need to set one up before you can report a claim or see specific details about your flood policy. Check out these tips from FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program on how to file a flood insurance claim and the steps you will go through during the claim process.