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Once The Flood Arrives
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Do not drive through a flooded area. If you
come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More people drown
in their cars than anywhere else.
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Do not walk through flooded areas. As little
as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
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Stay away from downed power fines and
electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods.
Electric current passes easily through water.
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Look out for animals - especially snakes.
Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours.
After The Flood
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If your home, apartment or business has
suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood
insurance policy right away to file a claim.
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Before entering a building, check for
structural damage. Don't go in if there is any chance of the building
collapsing.
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Upon entering the building, do not use
matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be
trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.
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Keep power off until an electrician has
inspected your system for safety.
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Flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals from
roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded, protect your
family's health by cleaning up your house right away. Throw out foods and
medicines that may have come into contact with flood water.
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Until local authorities proclaim your water
supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously
for five minutes before using.
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Be careful walking around. After a flood,
steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris,
including nails and broken glass.
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Take steps to reduce your risk of future
floods. Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when
rebuilding, and use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect
yourself and your property from future flood damage.
One of the most important things that you can
do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a flood
insurance policy.
You can obtain one through your insurance
company or agent. Flood insurance is guaranteed through the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency. Your homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Don't wait until a flood is coming to purchase
your policy. It normally takes 30 days after purchase for a flood insurance
policy to go into effect.
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