The Houston area recently experienced record levels of rainfall in a very short period of time, leading to flash floods throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Thousands of businesses, homes, and vehicles were left with damage, totaling millions in repair and replacement costs. With Houston predicted to have a very rainy summer, homeowners and renters should take proactive steps now to minimize damages and loss, so they can get back on their feet much faster if floods threaten our region again. In today's blog post, we'll look at three ways to stay safe and protect your property during a flood or severe rainstorm.
Keep Your Family Safe
The top priority for any homeowner or renter is to keep family members and loved ones safe if property flooding is possible. If you live in a flood-prone area and know that floods may be imminent, it may be wise to develop an evacuation plan. Consider evacuating early to a friend or relative's home in a safer part of town until the threat of rising water has passed. If water is rising in the streets near your home or begins to enter your residence before you can evacuate, then take shelter in your top floor, roof or attic if possible. Don't attempt to drive or leave the home if floodwaters have begun to rise on your streets or onto your yard. Contact the authorities if you need to be evacuated or rescued rather than attempting this on your own, where you could be injured or swept up in fast moving currents or floodwaters.
Shut Off Utilities
If floodwaters threaten your home or apartment building, you can increase personal safety by shutting off all utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. By turning these utilities off before water enters the premises, homeowners and renters reduce the likelihood of further injuries or damages from electrocution, gas leaks or other major issues. In addition, it will make your home safer if you have to evacuate and be away for a while until floodwaters recede.
Secure Valuables
While heavy rainfall can quickly lead to flash flooding throughout the greater Houston area, homeowners and renters typically have a little window of time in which to gather or move valuables to reduce losses or damages. If floodwaters begin to creep near your home or apartment, this would be the ideal time to move valuables such as laptops, televisions and furniture to higher areas. Portable waterproof safes can also be a great investment to store important documents, valuable jewelry and family photos in the event of a disaster.
When heavy rains and flash floods threaten our area, the first and most important priority is protecting our loved ones. Although it can be devastating to lose furniture, clothing, electronics, and vehicles, ultimately these are all material things that can be replaced. However, the loss of a home and possessions is greatly minimized when quality Flood Insurance is in place to provide financial assistance with rebuilding and replacing personal property. Aegis is proud to partner with individuals, families and businesses throughout Texas to provide quality, reliable, and affordable Flood Insurance in case disaster strikes. Aegis also offers a full range of other personal lines of insurance coverage, including Homeowners Insurance, Renter's Insurance, Auto Insurance, Commercial Coverage, and Life Insurance. Call Aegis today at 713-850-7622 for more information or go online to request a free quote today.