How to prepare for a flood is something every
New Hampshire resident should know. According to NH.gov, the most common natural disaster in the State of New Hampshire is flooding. With each year that passes, we see another New Hampshire community fall victim to rising flood waters resulting from the combination of spring’s heavy seasonal rain and melting snow and ice.
Across our state, from the Ashuelot to the Saco, the Connecticut to the Piscataquog, and every waterway in between, all of New Hampshire’s hundreds of rivers and streams have the potential to flood, especially in the spring and/or in low-lying areas. Is your home and property vulnerable? Here are several vital flood preparation and safety tips to keep in mind:
Watches and Warnings: Know the Difference
As severe weather approaches, the National Weather Service (NWS) will issue weather alerts to the public via all broadcast media outlets. Understanding what the following alerts mean is critical:
- Flood/Flash Flood Watch
Severe weather conditions are developing and the potential exists, but a flood is not necessarily certain or imminent. When the NWS issues this warning, it is time to make sure your home and property are in order.
- Flood/Flash Flood Warning
If the NWS has issued this alert for streams and rivers in your area, there is an imminent and serious threat to life and property. Deliberate action must be taken to prepare your home, which may mean preparing to evacuate it.
What to do When a Flood Watch is Issued
While you still have time, a little precautionary preparation will go a long way to ensuring the safety and comfort of your family while the flood warning is active. Keep in mind, the flood watch may be elevated to a flood warning. Taking the following actions will save you time and reduce the risk of injury or loss.
- Fill your car’s gas tank right away. Electricity may go out and remain out for several days. Without electricity, most gas stations will not be able to dispense fuel. Complete this task early to avoid waiting in line.
- Locate batteries, flashlights, and a battery-operated portable radio. Be sure they are working properly.
- Move or secure outdoor furniture and other movable lawn ornaments.
- Consider relocating your valuables from the lower levels of your home to the upper levels. Remember that floods happen quickly, and if your home floods, much of the damage will be in the crawlspace, basement, and lower levels of your home.
- Plan for your pets. Locate and secure them, double checking to ensure that they are wearing proper identification tags. If possible, consider relocating them until the danger has passed.
- Review your evacuation plan. If you do not have one, now is the time to establish a preliminary evacuation plan. Click here for tips from FEMA that will help you create an evacuation plan for your family.
Steps to Take When a Flood Warning is Issued
If the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for your area, a flood is highly likely to occur. Floods happen fast, so it’s time for you and your loved ones to settle into the upper levels of your home. Stay alert for notice to evacuate. Be prepared to react quickly and move to higher ground.
- People and pets must be moved to the highest level of your home.
- Gather emergency supplies. First-aid kit, flashlights, radios, cellular phones, food and water are a good start, but think ahead to what you will need if you are forced to the upper levels of your home. Bring these items to a safe location above the ground floor and in the highest livable portion of your home, such as upper-level bedrooms or other living areas.
- Whether via Internet, television, or battery-powered radio, tune in to the station or site that is offering a live, continuous feed of flood-related information.
- If the electricity goes out, use flashlights as opposed to candles or gas lanterns, as these are potential fire hazards.
- If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Use one vehicle to avoid becoming separated from your loved ones. An on-time and orderly evacuation will help avoid the dangers of flooded roadways, traffic jams, and lost people or pets.
- Never drive through a flooded street. Vehicles will stall and can be swept away in as little as two feet of water. If your vehicle does stall, take only what is absolutely necessary and exit right away. If on foot, do not try to traverse a flooded roadway. Adults and children can be knocked over and swept away by as little as six inches of swiftly moving water.
- Roadways may have been weakened by floodwaters. Be alert for changing road conditions such as any surface changes that indicate a road has been compromised and may be about to collapse or wash away.
When severe weather has been forecast for your area, stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and rely on your local meteorologist’s knowledge and the National Weather Service’s severe-weather alert system to keep you informed. Keep your wits about you; good old fashioned common sense goes a long way.
Springtime in New Hampshire is a beautiful time of year, and using the tips above to reduce flood risks will allow you and your loved ones to enjoy the season to the fullest. In the event of a flood, safety is crucial, but the best way to ensure that your home and assets remain protected is to secure a flood insurance policy. To get a free quote for flood insurance in Hillsborough, NH or the surrounding communities, please call us today at (603) 464-3422 or submit our online quote request form.
At Knapton, Reade, & Woods, protecting your home and family is our top priority. For additional safety resources, please read our blog, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.
