National Flood Safety Awareness Week Is March 16-22, 2015

What would you do if your property were flooded? Are you prepared? Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. On average, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other weather related event. Being prepared for a flood can keep your family safe, help minimize potential flood damage and quicken recovery efforts.

• Make a family communications plan and build an emergency supply kit
• Keep tabs on the local forecast
• Alert others via social media and texts when a flood threat or other hazardous weather exists
• Do NOT drive in flooded areas. Turn around. Just two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.
• Get covered. There is a 30 day waiting period from the date of purchase before your flood insurance policy goes into effect. Protect yourself from a devastating financial loss by purchasing flood insurance.
• Flood-hazard maps are available to show the flood risk for your community. These also help to determine the type of flood insurance coverage you will need since standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding.

Resources to help you prepare for a flood:

• Floodsmart.gov
• Fema.gov
• Flood Map Service Center

Local Resources for Alachua County

• City of Gainesville Floodplain Management