Charlottesville: Be Prepared for 2019 Hurricane Season

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

This photo was taken May 31st of 2018 at Riverview Park here in Charlottesville, VA following flash flooding. https://bit.ly/2V19IaZ

Did you know that June is the start of hurricane season here on the Atlantic Coast?  If you were in the Charlottesville area during this past summer, you know how devastating flood waters brought in by hurricanes can be.  Sinkholes, power outages, businesses being shut down, homes flooding, precious memorabilia being consumed by contaminated waters, people being stranded or worse swept away by raging water overflowing the banks of river beds, etc.  While it is undoubtedly impossible to prevent natural disasters from occurring, there are things that can be done before, during, and after a flood to help you and your loved ones be prepared.

Tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for Preparing Your Home or Business for a Flood.

Before the Flood:

• Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood:

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

After the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.  Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.