Spring brings warm weather and longer days. It also delivers heavy rains and snowmelt for many areas of the country, increasing the likelihood of floods. How you prepare for a flood and what you do afterward can potentially lessen the damage. To protect you, your family and your property, review these flood safety tips.

Before the Flooding

Purchase flood insurance. Work with an insurance professional to determine whether flood insurance is appropriate for your property. Typical homeowners insurance policies do not protect against flood damage.

Create an evacuation plan. Review this plan with all family members, ensuring everyone know what to do.

Pack emergency supplies. Have a supply of clean water, food, medication and clothing ready in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Protect valuable items and documents. Use waterproof containers to store irreplaceable items and important documents.

After the Flooding

Stay out of floodwater. Avoid walking, swimming or driving through floodwater, and avoid downed power lines.

Remove wet contents. Once it is safe to do so, remove any wet carpeting, furniture, bedding or other items holding moisture. Otherwise, mold can quickly develop within 24 to 48 hours.

File a flood insurance claim. To file a claim, photograph any water damage and make a detailed list of any damaged or lost items.

If you’re interested in protecting your home from flooding before the damage happens, click here. We can help you insure your house and in the event of a flood, protect you from financial hardship. The last thing we want is for you to have to deal with the headache of trying to figure out how to repair your house after heavy rains and flooding, and a flood insurance policy can help mitigate the headache and ensure you’re covered.