How to Protect Children During a Flood

​One of the most frequent and destructive disasters in the United States is the flood. In fact, 90% of all damage caused by natural disasters is from floods. Extended rainfall and the rapid melting of snow would cause flooding. Amid devastating floods, here are some tips to keep your children safe.

Talk to Your Kids About Floods
Spend a lot of time with your kids while telling them why and how floods happen. Give them explanations as to the origin of floods. Tell them that it’s a natural event and use only words that they can understand. You can also tell them about what happened during great floods like Hurricane Katrina.

Stay Informed Before and During the Flood
Listen to any local station or your NOAA Weather Radio. Stay updated about the latest direction of the hurricane and if there's a coming flood. Always have a battery-powered TV or radio ready. Watch out for flood warnings, and coordinate with your local community in case authorities tell you to evacuate. If, in any case, you feel unsafe for your kids, leave while you can. However, leave safely and avoid the direction of the water.

Follow Local Authorities’ Guidance
Elected officials and other local authorities will be among the first responders. They have a lot of information about the situation, especially the status of the flood and the affected areas. Better listen to them and follow their advice, especially if you have to evacuate immediately.

Move to Higher ground and Keep Your Kids Safe
Always move to higher ground if possible. Don't let your kids stand or wade in the rising water. Make sure too that you've secured the electric sockets already. Also, you should have turned off the main power switch early. Keep your children away from any hazards as well as from the dirty water. Flood water is filthy.

Ensure the Restoration of Utilities
Before you return home or when the flood subsides, make sure that you can use the plumbing and electricity safely. Always get an expert to check your electrical lines before turning on the main switch. Also, make sure that your living spaces are free from any dirt or hazards such as broken glass.

Some Final Words
Don’t involve your kids and teenagers in cleaning up the home after the flood. Before they return, throw away contaminated clothes and toys. However, the best thing to do is to get flood insurance beforehand. If you’re in a flood-prone area, this is a must. Always have this beforehand so that you can get a refund for everything that the flood has destroyed. 

At Berlin & Denys Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (800) 946-3303 or Click Here to request a free quote.