Although we try our best to keep a close watch on hurricanes and other natural disasters before they strike, it’s almost impossible to know exactly where they’ll land or who they’ll affect. We can sometimes follow the path of a storm for days believing that it’s going one way, only to learn that it changed its path last minute.

This happens all too often and the result is a majority of people left unprepared. And when waters rise and begin to make their way to your home, you’ll need to know how to survive a flood. Don’t be one of the people forced to make important decisions with no time to spare.

Save yourself and your family from a flood by being as best prepared as possible. Not sure where to begin? We understand that a lot goes into the preparation process, and that’s why we’re here to help. 

Continue reading below for our full guide on what you need to do to ensure you survive a flood!

Look into Flood Insurance 

Before a storm, hurricane, or other natural disasters even gets mentioned, look into purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance is so essential to have even when you’re not living in a high-risk flood zone. Keep in mind that a low-risk flood zone is still a flood zone and your home is still at risk for flooding.

When looking into flood insurance for a low-risk flood zone, you’ll typically get a good deal. This is obviously due to you living in a low-risk zone, and it’s a good idea to take advantage of it. However, if you are in a high-risk flood zone, then you might have no choice but to get flood insurance.

Create a Barrier in Advance

When the floodwaters come crushing in, you’re going to want to have some type of barrier in place to prevent the waters from doing great damage. There are several ways that you can create a barrier around your home to keep the water from coming in. Some ways to barricade your home are quick and easy while others take a bit more work, but might do a better job.

Aqua Dams

Aqua Dams are barricades that go completely around your home. The taller that they are, the better protection you have from the rising water. However, the taller the Aqua Dam, the more expensive it’ll be. 

And knowing just how much flood water is going to rise is impossible. They are great barriers to low-rising waters.

Sandbags

Sandbags are probably one of your cheapest options for creating a barrier. You can purchase sandbags from your local hardware stores. Just be sure to get enough to go around your entire home lined right up to the walls. 

You’ll also need some plastic as well. When the natural disaster is on its way, it becomes harder to find sandbags. Because of this, you’ll want to get as many as you can now and store them away. Do keep in mind that sandbags are great for keeping out waters from mild flooding only.

Other Options

You have some other options as well such as door dams and a sump pump. Door dams are placed on your doors and help keep water from entering your home through weak spots, such as through the cracks between your door and your door frame.

Sump pumps are handy when water is entering your home, but can still be pumped out. However, if the floodwaters are too high, then the sump pump won’t be able to keep your house dry.

Shut Off the Power and Gas

It’s important to know where the main power source for your electric and gas is. Shutting off this power source is something you’ll want to do before the floodwaters enter your home. If you don’t do this beforehand, you’re taking the risk of short-circuiting your home’s appliances and more. 

Failing to turn it off could also result in explosions and fires. To prevent this from happening, know where the power source is before the flood comes and shut it off prior. 

Gather All Emergency Supplies

You’ve most likely heard of those people who stock up a crazy amount of items to prepare for an apocalypse. You might think that these people have lost their minds, but in the instance that a flood comes through, they’ll be prepared. Maybe you don’t need an entire room devoted to emergency supplies, but you do need to have all of your emergency supplies gathered before the flood comes.

Things to keep in mind are water, non-perishable food items, medical equipment, and other miscellaneous supplies. You’ll want to have at least 3 days worth of supplies. Don’t forget your batteries, flashlights, candles, matches, bug spray, and more! 

Once you have all of this stuff ready for action, take all of your non-replaceable items and put them in a water-proof case. 

Know the Evacuation Routes

You’ve now prepared your home for the flood, but in some cases, the water is too high to stay and protect your belongings. When this happens, you’ll need to know the evacuation routes like the back of your hand. Start learning them now before a flood is even on its way.

And when you know that a severe flood is coming your way, evacuate as soon as possible. Waiting around could put yourself and your family at great risk. Many first responders aren’t able to reach during the storm, and you could otherwise be left stranded. 

Do You Know How to Survive a Flood?

After reading through our guide, we hope you know how to survive a flood. Keep these tips in mind when preparing for a possible flood, and you should have no problems keeping yourself and your family safe.

Did you find this guide to be helpful? Keep coming back to check out our other similar posts!