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Don’t drive through floodwaters — and other tips for staying safe in Hurricane Ian

News & Observer - 9/27/2022

Flooding is the biggest concern to North Carolinians preparing for Hurricane Ian, said Keith Acree, communications director for NC Emergency Management.

Meteorologists said Monday the hurricane could bring as much as 5 inches of rain to the North Carolina coast between Friday and Sunday, The Herald Sun previously reported. The Triangle is expected to get 2 to 3 inches.

Flooding typically does more damage than high winds, Acree said, so it’s important to be prepared.

“People sometimes focus on the category of the storm and say ‘Well it won’t be that bad by the time it gets to me,’” he said. “But you can still get a lot of rain, and flooding can be inevitable with a large amount of rainfall.”

Here’s how to prepare for a flood, stay safe in flood waters and what to consider for flood insurance:

How to prepare for a flood

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends planning ahead — having supplies ready and knowing the action plan well in advance in case of emergency — for hurricane season.

Here’s how to do plan ahead:

Contact your local planning department or county geologist to figure out if your home is in a flash flood-prone or landslide-prone area.

Make a disaster plan and communication plan with loved ones. (You can consult the CDC’s resources for guidance: cdc.gov/prepyourhealth).

Practice a flood evacuation route ahead of time.

Establish an out-of-state contact, such as an extended family member or a close friend, in case your family gets separated during the flood. Make sure everyone has contact information for this person.

(Source: cdc.gov/disasters/floods)

How to prepare your home for a flood

Here’s what the CDC recommends doing when a flood may be coming:

Secure or protect any hazards in your home before the flood.

Prepare to turn off electrical power when there’s standing water, fallen power lines or before you evacuate. Also turn off gas and water supplies, and secure materials.

When you’re under flood watch or warning, here’s what the CDC recommends:

Compile previously stocked emergency supplies, and stay tuned to your local news source for updates. (The N&O has a complete guide to creating emergency kits: newsobserver.com/news)

Prepare an emergency water supply, which is one gallon of water per day per person and per pet. Store at least a three-day supply.

Get outdoor items, like lawn furniture and trash cans, inside, or ensure they’re securely tied down.

Know the date of your last tetanus shot (and have other immunization records on hand), in case you get a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated.

If evacuation appears to be necessary, turn off utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.

Here’s how the CDC recommends preparing your home:

Purchase and install sump pumps with backup power.

Install backflow valves or plugs to prevent flood water from entering drains, toilets and other sewer connections.

Anchor fuel tanks, which can contaminate basements if torn free. (Unanchored tanks outside can be swept downstream and damage other properties.)

Have a licensed electrician raise electric components — such as switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring — at least 12 inches above a home’s projected flood elevation.

(Source: cdc.gov/disasters/floods)

Flood insurance: When to get it, what to know

The N&O has an entire guide to flood insurance: You can read it here.

Learn how to determine if your home is at risk of flooding and how exactly you can purchase the insurance.

Here’s part of the guide from reporter Korie Dean detailing exactly what flood insurance does and doesn’t cover:

Flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program offers two types of coverage: building coverage and contents coverage.

Building coverage protects your:

Electrical and plumbing systems

Furnaces and water heaters

Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances, such as dishwashers

Permanently installed carpeting

Permanently installed cabinets, paneling and bookcases

Window blinds

Foundation walls, anchorage systems and staircases

Detached garages

Fuel tanks, well water tanks and pumps, solar energy equipment

Contents coverage protects your:

Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment

Curtains

Washer and dryer

Portable and window air conditioners

Microwave oven

Carpets not included in building coverage (such as carpet installed over wood floors)

Valuable items such as original artwork and furs, up to $2,500

Items not covered by NFIP flood insurance include:

Temporary housing and additional living expenses incurred while the building is being repaired or is unable to be occupied

Property outside of an insured building. For example: landscaping, wells, septic systems, decks and patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs and swimming pools.

Financial losses caused by business interruption

Currency, precious metals, stock certificates and other valuable papers

Cars and most self-propelled vehicles, including their parts

Personal property kept in basements

How to stay safe in floodwater

First and foremost, “Turn Around – Don’t Drown.” Driving through floodwaters can pose a drowning risk, regardless of your ability to swim.

Follow the CDC’s advice to stay safe driving with floodwater around:

Don’t drive in flooded areas. Vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Always follow warnings about flooded roads.

Stay out of contact with floodwater. It can contain lots of things that can harm health (like drowned power lines or hazardous waste), and it can infect open wounds.

If you come into contact with floodwater, here’s what the CDC says to do:

Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and clean water.

Take care of wounds. If necessary, seek medical attention.

Use hot water and detergent to wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water before rewearing.

For a full guide to staying safe in floodwater (also available in Spanish), visit cdc.gov/disasters/floods.

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