Flood Tips as Virginia Prepares for Heavy Rain, Possible Hurricane

Hurricane Joaquin remains on track to reach the U.S. East Coast by the weekend, and the hurricane was upgraded to a Class 3 storm Wednesday night.

Forecasters say Joaquin’s path has been unpredictable to this point, but the East Coast did experience record rainfall Wednesday as the storm draws closer to the shore.

Recognizing the severe amount of rain affecting the area as well as a storm that may not be far off, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) shared a list of tips for citizens to prepare for potential flooding.

VDEM noted flooding is America’s most common natural disaster, and emphasized being prepared in advance of weather that could result in flooding. According to VDEM, about 25 percent of flood claims occur outside of a flood hazard area, while only 4.3 percent of Virginia households in low- to moderate-risk areas are covered with flood insurance protection.

Thus, preparation is imperative. Here are some other tips the department shared as it braces for Joaquin to make landfall:

• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel in your home.

• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

• Unplug electrical appliances and move them to higher levels, if possible. (NOTE: do not touch an electric appliance if you are wet or standing in water.)

• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

• Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage.

• If time allows, bring in outside furniture and move your valuables to higher places in your home.

• Be prepared to evacuate. Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after flood waters recede, roads could be weakened and could collapse. Buildings might be unstable, and drinking water might be contaminated.

• Use common sense and available information. If water is rising quickly or you see a moving wall of mud or debris, immediately move to higher ground.

• Do not walk through moving water, if possible. Look for areas where the water is not moving. What might seem like a small amount of moving water can easily knock you down.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If your vehicle becomes surrounded by rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground, if possible.

• Flood water might cut off access to roads. Be prepared to stay where you are until floodwaters recede.

• Know the road conditions before you hit the highways. Visit 511virginia.org or dial 511 from any phone for real-time traffic information and road condition reports.

• Visit virginiadot.org for the latest road reports or listing of closed roads during a major flooding event.

• Stay informed. Listen to weather-alert radios to stay informed of flood watches and warnings. Also monitor commercial radio, television and the Internet.

• Keep in mind that after a flood, it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you.