Mitigation & Safety Tips

Many Mitigation Measures Are Low-Cost

Mitigation measures don't have to be expensive. If you live in a flood hazard area, there are many low-cost measures that you can take to reduce your risk from future flooding.

Heating and hot-water systems, washers and dryers can be elevated on a platform at least 12 inches above the flood level. Electrical panels and utilities also should be relocated to an area above the flood level. If the space is not high enough to allow elevation of the utility, the utility may be moved to an upper floor or attic space.

Other measures include building a floodwall around basement windows to protect the basement from low-level flooding and anchoring fuel tanks to prevent them from floating and over-turning.

Before any alterations or repairs are made, contact your local building official to obtain any necessary permits.

Safety Tips for Flood Victims

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends several safety tips to the victims of floods. This safety alert illustrates some dangerous practices which consumers may be tempted to engage in during efforts to rebuild or while staying in temporary housing, tents, or partially damaged homes. This information is provided in an effort to prevent injuries and deaths from consumer products as flood survivors make new beginnings. "We hope this information helps prevent product-related injuries and deaths during these difficult times." -- Chairman Ann Brown

Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.

If electrical appliances have been under water, have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because the electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire. Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use.

Did You Know...

• Individuals and business owners can protect themselves from flood losses by purchasing flood insurance through National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage. Information is available through local insurance agents and emergency management offices.
  
• Flooding has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people since 1900. Property damage from flooding now totals over $1 billion each year in the United States.
  
• More than 2,200 lives were lost as a result of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood of 1889. This flood was caused by an upstream dam failure.
  
• Nearly 9 of every 10 presidential disaster declarations result from natural phenomena in which flooding was a major component.
  
• On July 31, 1976, the Big Thompson River near Denver overflowed after an extremely heavy storm. A wall of water 19 feet high roared down the Big Thompson Canyon where many people were camping. 140 people perished and millions of dollars of property were lost.