Many vulnerable areas in Louisiana are prone to flooding due to severe weather. With hurricane season approaching, now is a good time to prepare for flooding. On average, a flood-related disaster occurs once a year in Louisiana. Residents continue to recover from the major floods the state experienced in 2016. Important tips for flood preparedness are listed below:
Document items and contents in your home in photos.
Place important papers and documents such as driver’s licenses, social security cards, passports, birth certificates, vehicle registration cards and insurance policies in a waterproof, portable container.
Consider buying flood insurance.
The average NFIP award is approximately $90,000. This can help cover most high-dollar home repairs. Federal aid from FEMA can only assist with recovery repairs. The average reward granted to survivors is $5,000.
See msc.fema.gov/portal to know the flood risk in your area.
Make a flood emergency plan. For tips see ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Important items include flashlights, battery-powered radios, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.
Should you need to get to higher ground, know where to go and how to get there.
In the event of an evacuation order, choose several temporary places to stay. These can include the homes of relatives and friends, a hotel or a shelter.
Bring outdoor furniture inside. Move important indoor items to the highest floor.
Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
Consider elevating appliances.
For weather updates, emergency instructions and evacuation orders, stay tuned to your phone alerts and TV or radio. Severe weather information is also available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at noaa.gov.
Follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6.
Download the FEMA app at fema.gov/mobile-app. The app provides disaster resources, safety tips, maps of open shelters and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Go to Ready.gov for more details.
Follow the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Prepardeness social media at twitter.com/gohsep, facebook.com/GOHSEP and youtube.com/user/GOHSEP.
