Flood Safety
Though you might not live in a flood zone, you may still be at risk for flooding. Many claims come from areas that are considered low to moderate risk for flooding. Since waters can rise anywhere it rains, you’ll want to take these steps to protect your family and your property from this risk.
How to Protect Your Family and Property from Flooding
- Follow storm updates from the National Weather Service via apps, NOAA weather radio or local news sources.
- Check your survival kit and restock as necessary.
- Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.
- Elevate your water heater, electric panel and furnace.
- Construct barriers to prevent floodwaters from entering your home.
- Turn off utilities and disconnect appliances.
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- Move to higher ground when a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area.
- Stay away from floodwaters. Even six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet.
- If you approach a flooded road, turn around. Waters can rise quickly and less than two feet of water can sweep away most cars.
- Keep children away from water as they tend to lack judgment about running or contaminated water.
- Practice even more caution at night as flood danger is harder to recognize.
- Review your insurance coverage and consider adding flood insurance to protect yourself and provide even more peace of mind.
To learn more about flood safety, including what to do after a flood, visit RedCross.org.
If your community is devastated by a severe storm, you can find information about disaster relief assistance in our Weather Resources section.
Report a Claim
If you have been affected by flooding and need assistance, First Baldwin Insurance is here to help guide you through the claims process. You can file a claim online or call 251-943-6677.
