Flooding can happen with little warning, and preparation is critical to protecting your family, property, and peace of mind. This section provides essential guidance on how to prepare before a flood, stay safe during the event, and recover effectively afterward. From purchasing insurance in advance to navigating evacuation routes and documenting damage for claims, these steps will help you respond with confidence and minimize long-term impacts.
Before a Flood:
- Purchase flood insurance well in advance because of the 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
- Create an evacuation plan for your family, including pets, ensuring everyone knows where to go and how to stay in contact.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit with water, food, medications, important documents, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials.
- Know your evacuation routes and listen to local emergency management advisories through radio, TV, or smartphone alerts.
- Protect your property by turning off the power to your home, elevating valuables off the floor, securing outdoor furniture and other items that could be swept away by floodwaters.
- Stay informed by monitoring weather updates and alerts from local and national agencies.
- Do not touch electrical equipment. If water has entered your home, avoid contact with any electrical devices or appliances.
- Move to higher ground immediately if you are in a flood zone or near rising water.
- Do not attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads or areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and one foot of water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Follow instructions from emergency officials and evacuation orders promptly.
- Return home only when authorities declare it safe.
- Avoid contact with floodwaters, which may contain harmful contaminants.
- Contact a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system after a flood and before restoring power.
- Inspect your property carefully for damage, wearing protective gear such as gloves and boots.
- Take photographs of damage for insurance claims.
- Prevent mold by drying out your home as quickly as possible and removing wet materials like carpets and drywall.
- Use safe water sources and discard any food that may have been contaminated.
- Report damages to the county and your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Mold Risks Following a Hurricane:
Charlotte County urges residents to be aware of the potential health and home safety risks caused by mold growth. Excess moisture from flooding can quickly lead to mold in homes, posing serious health risks and causing damage to both structural and personal property. For more information, refer to the FEMA Mold Fact Sheet.