Flood Preparation Tips

Are You Prepared for Flooding?

Be #UPTFloodReady

Register for alerts from ReadyMontco: Upper Providence

• Emergency Management uses this app to communicate with residents and visitors about emergencies.

Understand the Risk of living in a Flood Zone

• Know when and how to evacuate to safety.
• Talk to your agent about Flood Insurance.
• Document and photograph your valuables.

Prepare your home for flooding:

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean.
• Make copies and store important documents in a safe place.
• Secure external propane tanks and anchor indoor fuel tanks.
• Elevate utilities like air conditioners, heat pumps, and meters.
• Install a water alarm and sump pump in your basement.

Make a Plan and tell family members:

• Where you will go
• How you will get there
• Who will go with you
• What to take with you

Make an emergency kit for your home and vehicle to sustain you, your family, and pets for three days:

•  Drinking Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
• Non-Perishable food
• Battery-Powered weather radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
•  First Aid kit
• Cell phone with chargers and battery backup
• Pet food and supplies
• Hygiene items, toiletries and prescription medication

Make Financial Preparations

• Purchase homeowners’ or renters’ insurance and make sure policies are up to date.
• Open a rainy-day savings account.
•  Keep important documents safe and make copies:
  • Identification (driver’s license, passport, birth certificates, Social Security Cards)
  • Vehicle and boat registrations, titles, and insurance.
  • Bank accounts, mortgage, wills, and utilities.
  • Medical and prescription records

Staying Safe During a Storm

• Be prepared to evacuate. Know where you will go before you need to leave.
• Listen to emergency alerts and evacuate before you need to be rescued.
• Don’t drive around barricades or through flood waters.
• If water is at your front door, it’s time to go!

Recovering After a Storm

• Floodwaters contain hazardous materials, sewage, and other contaminants. Don’t swim or walk in floodwater.
• File a claim with your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance agent.
• Document any damage to your property with photos. UPT Emergency Management, PEMA, and FEMA will be conducting damage assessment surveys. Share damage information with them.
• Do not run generators indoors-they produce carbon monoxide which is a colorless and odorless gas that will kill you!
• Have copies of important documents ready for government assistance applications.