Keep your family safe
during a flood |
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Preparing for Floods in the Big Sandy Area
Pike and Floyd County Residences
There's an old story that goes around with insurance agents in our area. It seems a woman called in for flood insurance wanting to buy a policy immediately. The agent stated the price for the flood insurance policy, and explained there would be a thirty day wait for the policy to go into effect.
The woman replied, "Thirty Days...Oh No! Flood waters are coming in the back door now!" Obviously, the woman had waited too long to buy flood insurance coverage! Here are some tips about being safe around a flood.
- Before you buy land or build; know if the property is in the flood plain.
Check the Flood Insurance links above for phone numbers to the Pike and Floyd County Flood Plain coordinators.
- If you cannot avoid building in a floodplain be sure to elevate and reinforce your house.
- Put flood vents in your foundation.
- See that your utility equipment like furnaces, water heaters, electric boxes, etc. are installed above the high water line if possible.
During a flood
- Listen to the radio for instructions
- If flash flooding is possible, move to higher ground immediately
- If you must evacuate, move as much of your property to upper floors as possible. Don't forget your lawn furniture if you have time.
- Fema recommends turning off utilities at the main switches. Disconnect electrical appliance. Obviously, do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or standing in water.
If you leave your home
- BE CAREFUL! Do not walk through moving water.
- Walk where water is not moving. A can or stick might help determine how saturated the ground is.
- Do not drive into flooded areas! If a flood comes up on your car, leave it and move to high ground for your own safety. A car is replaceable you are not!
If you live in Eastern Kentucky, especially in Pike and Floyd County, chances are you will be faced with driving in or around flood conditions. Cars will stall in six inches of water, don't risk it. A foot of water will float most compact cars. It takes a little more for and SUV and pick-up, but why take the chance?
The FEMA web site offers more information on Flood Safety. The National Archive site has information about restoring old photos and documents that have sustained flood damage.
Call our Pikeville KY insurance office at 606 433 0031
for Kentucky Insurance quotes, service or appointments
Kentucky Insurance Information
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