What to do if there's a flood

Before

• Get flood insurance.  Your homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damage.
• Collect emergency building materials if you live in a frequently flooded area: plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, shovels and sandbags.
• Prepare a survival kit.
• Plan and practice an evacuation route.  Establish a meeting place should your family get separated.
• Review how to shut off utilities in an emergency with all family members.
• Move property to a higher place like an attic or second story.
• Have an inventory listing of your belongings if time permits or take pictures of each room.

During

• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information.  If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Move to high ground, avoid rising waters and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

After

• Listen to the radio and do not return home until authorities indicated it is safe to do so.
• Be watchful of snakes that may have found their way into your home.
• Throw away all food that has come into contact with floodwaters.  (take a picture and make list of it for your claim, if you can).
• Call a water restoration company who can help you extract surface water.
• Report your loss to your agent so we can help you.