Preparing for a Flood

Floods can happen anywhere, anytime. Learn about how you can prepare for a flood, respond appropriately during the event and navigate your recovery process alongside available resources. Please remember, your first priority should be to ensure your safety and the safety of your employees, family and others in your community.

Know Your Flood Risk

The easiest way to determine your location’s flood risk is through FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, which shows the likelihood of flooding in your area. Anything at or above a 1% chance qualifies as high-risk.

There are several types of flooding that can impact your community. It’s suggested that you familiarize yourself with the following list, as many floods can be both sudden and drastic.

Types of Floods

• Flash floods
• River floods
• Storm surges
• Coastal floods
• Burn scars
• Debris flows
• Ice/debris jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry wash
• Dam breaks
• Levee failures

Floods can impact anyone, regardless of location. Floods often cause devastating, costly damages that can be alleviated with financial protection such as purchasing flood insurance. Brown & Brown can help analyze your flood risk and determine a customized course of action on an individual level.

Make a Plan

Because floods can be unpredictable, it’s important to have an area of higher ground designated prior to a flood occurring. This location should be quickly accessible and utilized before flooding begins, if possible.

Officials may call for an evacuation, which must be done immediately upon notification. Having an emergency and evacuation plan in place beforehand is essential. This will outline what items to prepare, what appliances to adjust before leaving, how to help protect yourself and more.

Be sure to prepare and bring an emergency kit if evacuated. An emergency kit should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Food
• Flares
• Booster cables
• Maps
• Rubber boots
• Waterproof gloves
• Tool kit
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Sleeping bags
• Sturdy shoes
• Insect repellant/clothing with coverage (water that pools post-flood may attract mosquitos)

Have an emergency app downloaded on all pertinent devices to stay aware of any potential or active flood warnings. The following list includes emergency and flood-specific alert applications:

• FEMA
• Red Cross
• FloodWatch
• FloodAlerts
• My Flood Risk

Property & Casualty Team