Flash Flood Family Emergency Planning

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

I hope that you never find yourself in these situations. If you do, please call SERVPRO of Ottumwa & Grinnell at 641-672-0872.

Hello Ottumwa!

It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Support Coordinator, and I wanted to talk about the flooding events in Kentucky and Missouri. I remember the feeling of watching the Cedar Rapids flood in 2008, which took years to recover from. Flooding can happen just as fast as a tornado, so I wanted to create a blog post to go over some conversations your family should have with itself but also the extended family in case flash flooding forces you out of your home.

• Establishing Meeting Locations and Emergency Contact

If flooding causes your family to be forced out of your home, you should come up with two locations that can be “the meeting spot” for your family (if you end up getting separated) and your extended family. One location should be closer to your home, preferably higher grounds, and a location further from your home. This is in case you are told to evacuate and cannot return to the area.

• Planning the Evacuation Plan

This plan should be actively practiced, especially if your home is in a flood zone. This plan should include exits of your home and different routes that could be taken in case flooding causes certain roads to be shut down. NEVER DRIVE YOUR CAR THROUGH FLOODED ROADS. If you cannot leave due to flooded roads, you will need to find a room on the highest floor with few windows and access to television, radio, or a telephone. This area should be stocked with nonperishables so that you have a food source if you are stranded.