Global floods are on the rise and we want you to be as prepared as possible. At Krisis Flood Bags, we know the devastation floods can cause to your homes, families and daily lives; that is why being organised can make all the difference to the severity of the damage inflicted. In this article, we will talk about the importance of having a personal flood plan and how in the unfortunate event of a natural flood disaster, you will know exactly what you need to do.
What Is the Cost Of Flooding?
There are many causes of flooding, but a significant factor is natural disasters and climate change. The climate crisis continues to deliver unprecedented global events that cause enormous amounts of damage to the environment and people’s lives and property.
The cost of flooding can be astronomical because once the damage is done and water gets into every room, it is hard to undo. The risk of flooding is greater than 41 million for Americans, and the average yearly cost of flooding in the US is more than $32 billion. Since 2010, flooding has cost $850 billion dollars.
The risk of flooding is serious and it is all about acting quickly, being prepared and being organised.
What Is A Flood Plan?
The basics of a flood plan are ensuring the safety of your belongings and your home. This could be moving items to higher ground and safety, having important contact details ready and accessible, such as your utility companies and insurance, and protecting items that simply cannot be moved.
1. Have Your Flood Kit Ready!
When a flood hits, before you know it your home can fill up with water and you need to move fast. If the flooding is extreme to the point where you need to evacuate and leave your home, then you will need to have a previously prepared flood kit. This will save you from running around trying to remember everything you need and shoving it into bags. Being organized means you grab it and quickly go. Here are a few things that will be good to have in your flood kit:
- Copies of your home insurance policy and other key documents
- A couple of torches
- A radio
- A pack of batteries
- Waterproof clothing, as well as a warm change of clothes
- Blankets to keep warm
- A first aid kit
- Toiletries
- A notepad and pen
- Bottled water
- Easy food such as nut bars
- A phone charger
- Money and your bank cards
- If you have pets you need to pack provisions for them as well
2. Turn Off Your Utilities And Electrical Appliances
Make sure to take the time to turn off your gas, electricity and water. This is important for safety and to help prevent electrical hazards. Shut off the electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks in your home to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. This helps to avoid danger and damage to neighbouring houses and first responders.
3. Protect Your Belongings
Flooding can cause long-lasting damage to your home and your belongings, but there are steps you can take to prevent catastrophic damage. Start with taking measures to ensure the safety of your belongings. Having Krisis Flood Bags – Dry Bags available is a great way to prepare and be ready to spring into action.
When you get a flood warning, you can start with easy tasks like wrapping your curtains around the pole so they are not on the floor, and roll up any rugs and put them on higher ground either upstairs or on top of tables. Then, for items you cannot move such as your kitchen table, wrap plastic bags around the legs and tie them closed to prevent water from seeping inside.
For your sinks, make sure the plugs are secure in the holes and weigh them down so no water can get inside and equally close your toilet seats and weigh the lids down.
For your items no matter how big or small, grab your Krisis flood bags, or dry bags and start to put your belongings and all your indoor furniture in them. These will keep your belongings secure, safe and dry. They can even work for larger items such as your desk, for furniture such as this, you can use a Standard KrisisBag to completely secure it. There is even a Super KrisisBag that can fit your bed in it as well as your sofa and chairs.
Also, you will want to ensure valuables and personal belongings are safely secured. To do this, place them into a Handy KrisisBag. Krisis flood bags are easy to use, just follow our demonstration and be prepared in the event of an emergency!
