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Flood Awareness

Prevention and Insurance
Posted on: July 8, 2019 - 10:54am
Be Flood Smart Flyer

Lower your risk for property damage and personal injury in the event of a major flood. Last month was Flood Awareness Month and with hurricane season fast approaching here are some tips to help you safeguard your property and your life:

1. Contact the Department of the Environment (DoE) by calling 3-1-1 or online via County Click (hyperlink) to request a site investigation if you experience drainage issues.

2. Minimize Flood Damages:

  • Elevate utilities such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances & heating systems
  • Consider elevating entire structure in areas of repetitive flooding
  • Waterproof basements
  • Have operable sump pump with a battery-operated backup
  • Install a water alarm in basement to monitor water accumulation
  • Ensure gutters and downspouts are free of debris
  • Secure fuel tanks
  • Move furniture, valuables and copies of important documents to a safe place. Store originals in a safe deposit box.
  • Keep an emergency supply kit stocked with nonperishables with easy-open ends is possible, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines and a battery-operated radio.
  • Plan and practice a flood evacuation route. Designate someone out of state as your “family contact” in an emergency and make sure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.
  • Have a plan in place for your pets in the event of an evacuation.

3. Register for Alert Prince George’s to receive notifications via phone, email or text message of potential flood events. To register visit http://alert.mypgc.us

4. Track storms and other weather events by visiting the National Weather Service (NWS) at https://water.weather.gov.

5. Have flood risk assessed by the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE) prior to construction any commercial or residential structure.

6. Purchase flood insurance! It is important to remember that standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Visit http://environment.mypgc.us and search “Flood Management”  or call 301-883-5810 to find more information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).