March 12-16, 2018, is Flood Safety Awareness Week.
March 12-16th, 2018 is Flood Safety Awareness Week in New Hampshire. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in New Hampshire and the United States. During this week, we encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities across the State to learn more about their flood risk and to take steps now to protect themselves, their families, and their property before the next flood happens.
5 Simple Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for a Flood
Remember, while some areas are at a higher risk from flooding, everyone lives in a flood zone. A flood can happen anywhere it rains. Here are five simple things you can do today to keep you, your loved ones, and your property safer from the next flood.
1. Find out if you live near a high risk flood zone.
Visit msc.fema.gov and type in your address to find flood zones nearby. Zones that begin with a letter A or V are high risk zones.
2. Buy flood insurance.
Consider buying flood insurance even if you’re in a lower risk flood zone. Over 20% of flood insurance claims are in lower risk flood zones. Plus most homeowner insurance policies do not cover floods. Contact your insurance agent or visit www.FloodSmart.gov to learn more.
3. Sign up for emergency alerts.
Get the latest emergency notifications for your area by signing up for text, email, or phone alerts through NH Alerts at www.readyNH.gov.
4. Make an emergency kit.
Have an emergency kit ready to go in case you and your family need to evacuate in a hurry. At a minimum you’ll need a 3 day supply of food, water, and medications. Learn more about what to include at www.readynh.gov/emergency-kits.
5. Make an emergency plan.
Before a flood (or other disaster) happens, sit down with your family and decide what you’ll do in an emergency. Learn more and download a plan you can fill out at www.readynh.gov/emergency-plan.
Outreach Toolkit
Help spread the word to your constituents, colleagues, and friends and relatives during Flood Safety Awareness Week using the following resources.
- Five Simple Things Flyer
- Sample Social Media Messages
- Sample Press Release
