Flooding is the most frequent disaster that impacts Kentucky. Kentucky averages about 56 flooding events a year with an average yearly loss of 30.4 million dollars.
Sometimes, floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. However, flash floods can occur within minutes and without any sign of rain. Floods can happen anytime and anyplace. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.
How can you be ready?
- Talk to your insurance agent and make sure that you have proper coverage, particularly if you live in an area prone to flooding.
- Copy important documents. Keep a copy at home but store additional copies in a secure place outside the home.
- Take photos of your possessions and store them in a secure place with documents.
- Have an emergency plan that includes best contact phone numbers and an evacuation plan. Have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, matches, batteries, candles, blankets, and a three-day supply of food and water.
- Monitor weather warnings in your area and heed official instructions.
- Always follow evacuation orders.
- Seek higher ground.
- Never walk or drive through a flooded area. Turn around; don’t drown! Six inches of water can cause control issues and stalling. A foot of water will cause many cars to float.
- Stay away from downed power lines or other electrical wires.
- After a flood, check for structural damage before entering your home. Remove wet and damaged contents and dispose of them properly. Sanitize affected areas to prevent mold growth and contamination. Mud and water from flooding can contain chemicals and raw sewage.
“A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself,
but the naive keep right on going and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12)
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