How to prepare for a flood

Flooding is becoming more and more common in the U.S., and as the climate crisis continues, people expect stronger storms and out of control hurricanes to hit and wreak havoc. Flooding is a major problem because in an instant, it can destroy properties, take lives, and there are very few ways in mitigating it. Safety expert Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, CSP, believes that the best way to face floods is to prepare in advance. Here are some ways on how to prepare for a flood.If you are at a flood-risk or flood-prone area, make sure you have a plan when the flood hits and before it hits. This may include plans on where to relocate if ever the need arises, getting flood insurance, buying a flood-proof bag for your car, installing backflow valves or standpipes on sewer lines, inspecting the lower portions of your house for cracks, and fixing all the cracks in your basement to prevent water from seeping in.

You also need to have an emergency kit ready at all times. While you can buy standard emergency kits at pharmacies or hardware stores, you can make one yourself. Your emergency kit should have at least one gallon of water per person, emergency rations, spare clothes, toiletries, batteries or power banks for your phones, necessary medicine and a first aid kit, flashlights, and extra cash.Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders states that regardless if you think you and your family are safe in the event of a flood, do not disregard orders for evacuation if the county or your local government gives one. It might look like your safety is assured for now, but there’s no telling when a flood can take a turn for the worse.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, had many roles in the military, including chief biological threat assessment and chief intelligence officer for the 520th Theater Army Medical Laboratory. To know more about Capt. Sanders, his work, and his achievements, visit this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.