How to Prepare for Flooding

Our community is concerned about repetitive flooding and has an active program to help you protect yourself and your property from future flooding, but here are some things you can do:

Check with the Building Department on the extent of past flooding in your area. Department staff can tell you about the causes of repetitive flooding, what the City is doing about it, and what would be an appropriate flood protection level. The staff can visit your property to discuss flood protection alternatives.

Prepare for flooding by doing the following:

• Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when a flood comes.

• Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go.

• Make a household inventory, especially of basement contents.

• Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc., in a safe place.

• Collect and put cleaning supplies, camera, waterproof boots, etc., in a handy place.

• Develop a disaster response plan. See the Red Cross’ website at www.redcross.org for information about preparing your home and family for a disaster.

• Get a copy of Repairing Your Flooded Home. It can be found on the Red Cross’ website.