The following tips from the National Flood Insurance Program are given as suggested guidelines for action. If you find yourself in a flood situation and do not know what to do, check with your local emergency managers.

STEPS TO TAKE TODAY

• Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to high, safe ground if you should have to evacuate in a hurry.
• Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment and flashlights in working order. Keep extra batteries on hand.
• Buy Flood Insurance. You should contact your property/casualty agent or company about Flood Insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. Generally, there is a 30-day waiting period for this policy to become effective, so don't wait for flood waters to begin flowing.
• Keep your insurance policies and your home inventory in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. Know the name, phone number and location of the agent(s) who issued your policies.
• People who live in high-risk flood areas should keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber, which can be used to protect property. (Remember, sandbags should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a building. Wet bags may create added pressure to the foundation.)

WHEN THE FLOOD COMES

Safety is the most important consideration. Since floodwaters can rise very rapidly, be prepared to evacuate before the water level reaches your property.

1. Keep a battery powered radio tuned to a local station, and follow all instructions for your area. Be prepared to evacuate.
2. When outside the house, remember floods are deceptive. Avoid flooded roads, and don't attempt to walk through floodwaters.
3. If time permits, there are several precautionary steps that can be taken:
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation is likely. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area and you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber gloves and rubber-soled boots or shoes.
• Move valuable papers and possessions like furs, jewelry and clothes to upper floors or higher elevations.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated. You can sanitize these items by first rinsing with bleach.
• Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters.
• Bring outdoor possessions inside the house, or tie them down. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, tools, signs and other movable objects that might be swept away or hurled about.

If it is safe to evacuate by car, you should consider the following:

1. Stock the car with non-perishable foods, (liked canned goods), a plastic container of water, blankets, first aid kit, flashlights, dry clothing and any special medication needed by your family.
2. Keep the gas tank at least half full. Gasoline pumps will not be working if the electricity is cut off.
3. Do not drive where the water is over the roads. Parts of the road may already be washed out.
4. If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.

If you're caught in your home by rising waters, move to the second floor and then the roof. Take warm clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with you. Then wait for help. Don't try to swim to safety. Rescue teams will be looking for you.

AFTER THE FLOOD

• Prior to entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure it'is not in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank. If you smell gas, call your utility company immediately.
• Upon entering the building, do not use an open flame as a source of light because gas may still be trapped inside. Use a battery-operated flashlight.
• Watch for downed electrical wires. Make certain the main power switch is turned off. Do not turn on lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.
• Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further weather-related damage.
• Proceed with immediate clean up measures to prevent any health hazards. Perishable items pose a health problem and should be listed and photographed before discarding. Throw out fresh food and medicines that have come in contact with floodwaters.
• Drinking water and preparing food can be done only if the public water system has been declared safe. In an emergency, water may be obtained by draining a hot water tank or melting ice cubes.
• Take pictures of damage to your building and its contents. Refrigerators, sofas and other hard goods should be hosed off and kept for the adjuster's inspection. Use a household cleaner to clean items you plan to keep. Any partially damaged items should be dried. The adjuster will make recommendations for repairs or disposal.
• Take all wooden furniture outdoors to dry, but keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent warping. A garage or carport is a good place for drying. Remove drawers and other moving parts as soon as possible, but do not pry open swollen drawers from the front. Instead, remove the backing and push the drawers out.
• Shovel out mud while it is still moist to give walls and floors a chance to dry. Once plastered walls have dried, brush off loose dirt. Wash with household cleanser and rinse with clean water; always start at the bottom and work up. Ceilings are done last. Special attention must also be paid to cleaning out heating ducts and plumbing systems.
• Mildew can be removed from dry wood with a solution of 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach, in 1 gallon of water.
• Clean metal at once and then wipe with a kerosene-soaked cloth. A light coat of oil will prevent iron from rusting. Scour all utensils, and, if necessary, use fine steel wool on unpolished surfaces. Aluminum may be brightened by scrubbing with a solution of vinegar, cream of tartar and hot water.
• Quickly separate all laundry items to avoid running colors. Clothing or household fabrics should be allowed to dry (slowly, away from direct heat) before brushing off loose dirt. If you cannot get a professional cleaner, rinse the items with mild detergent. Rinse and dry in sunlight.
• Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned carefully. Structural damage will occur if water is pumped out too quickly. After the floodwaters around your property have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages, about one-third of the water volume each day.

WHAT DOES NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE MEAN TO YOU?

Until the late 1960s, Flood Insurance was practically unavailable to home and business owners. Congress voted in 1968 to create the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This Federal program provides Flood Insurance at reasonable cost in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities.
Today, you can insure almost any enclosed building and its contents against flood loss, as long as your community is participating in the NFIP. Remember, standard Homeowners Insurance policies don'cover flood loss. For more details on Flood Insurance protection, call your agent or company today.

Make it your policy to protect your family against devastating flood losses.