FLOODS – WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE?

 

Winter storms in can be deadly, causing flooding, flash floods, high costal surf, and mudslides.  So what do you do?  You can get your family ready by preparing a written emergency plan now.  In this plan, consider each of your family members (including your pets) and what you will need for each of them. 

 

Additionally, you should follow these tips to prepare yourself and your family for a flooding emergency:

 

1.  Keep emergency supplies on hand and together at home, work, and in your car.  This should include a battery operated radio or television, flashlight, extra batteries, and enough food and clean water for each person for three days.  Be sure to check your supplies each year to ensure that food and water is fresh.  For a full list of emergency supplies to have on hand visit: http://www.getready94920.org/checklist.pdf

 

2.  Find a family member or friend who lives outside of the area and ask them to be a central point of contact in case your family is separated in an emergency.  Make sure each family member knows the number and to call it if you are separated from one another.

 

3.  Be familiar with all of the routes in and out of your neighborhood.  In an emergency listen carefully to directions given by Emergency Officials via television and radio broadcasts and follow them in case of evacuation.  Turn on BEARS 840 for local Tiburon and Belvedere information.

 

4.  Keep all of your important paperwork in a safe place- such as a safe deposit box.  If you keep them at home, be sure to take them with you if you leave. 

 

5.  Find high points in and around your home.  If you are caught in a flood, stay out of the water if at all possible.  If you are moving to higher ground, upper floors, or your roof, be sure to take your emergency supplies with you.

 

6.  Most insurance policies don’t include flood insurance.  Find out if you are in a high risk area and need to have it.  Be sure to review your entire policy and know what your insurance policies cover and don’t cover.  For more information call the National Flood Insurance Program at (888) Call-Flood

 

7.  Teach your children to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

 

8.  Prepare an emergency kit for your pets.  Include food and water for at least 3 days (up to 2 weeks is preferable), all medications, paperwork and medical records, a crate, a leash and muzzle, and be sure that your pet has identification on.  Microchips work best since and animal can never lose it (it is embedded under their skin).  For more information on preparing for emergencies with your pets, check with the Marin Humane society at (415) 883-4621

 

9.  Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand. Remember when placing sandbags, do not stack sandbags against your building’s foundation. 

 

10.  Visit www.getready94920.org and do the self study home course.