As Hurricane Helene moves toward Georgia, it’s best to know your flood risk while the region faces prolonged rain and flooding risks.
Hurricanes are capable of creating high winds, heavy rainfall and floods that could damage homes, buildings and roadways.
So, how can Georgians make sure their home is ready for a flood and how can residents stay safe? Here’s what to know:
What flood zone is your home in?
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency , every homeowner lives in an area with some type of flood risk, but it’s good to know how serious that risk is when a flood is coming. That’s what flood zones are for; flood zones are similar to maps and they help a community determine its flood risk for safety and insurance purposes. Here are the zones to know:
Zone A: These areas have a high-risk for flooding because they are close to a pond, stream, river or construction barrier.
Zone V: Zones V and VE are high risk coastal areas with an additional hazard from storm waves. These areas have a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.
Zone D: Zone D areas have a possibility of flooding, but the risk is undetermined. Flood insurance for Zone D homes is still recommended.
Zone B & X: These areas are a moderate flood hazard, but flood insurance is still recommended.
Zone C & X: Zones C & X have a lower risk of flooding, but flood insurance is still recommended.
If you are unsure which flood zone your home is in, call your home insurance company to find out and see what your flood risks are.
Homeowners can also go to FEMA’s flood map website and type in their address to see the flood risks in their area.
How to prepare your home for a flood
“Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster,” according to FEMA. Here’s how to prepare your home :
Get flood insurance.
Know your flood risk by using this map .
Take inventory of household items and valuables. Be sure to include photos and video.
Store important documents. Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.
If you have a basement, waterproof it by installing a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump.
Clear gutters and elevate valuables.
National Weather Service tips for safety during a flood
Now that you’ve assessed your home’s safety before a flood, it’s time to prepare yourself and your family during a flood. Here are some safety tips to follow :
Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood prone area, get to higher ground immediately.
Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
Practice Electrical Safety: Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out.
Avoid Flood Waters: Don’t walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds. 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.
Have any more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com .
Helene is now a hurricane. Much of Georgia under watch, warning for floods & damaging wind
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