Floods may arise suddenly during bouts of severe weather. During such times, rapidly rising waters may trap people inside their homes. That means that floods do pose a personal threat to many people.
If you become trapped in your home during a time of flooding, your safety is at risk. Not only is your property threatened, your life might be in danger.
Emergency services often become overwhelmed during floods. They may have a high volume of emergencies, or struggle to access your home. 
To avoid becoming trapped in a flooded home, take preventative steps before one threatens your property.
Have Correct Insurance
Flood insurance serves as a valuable protector for your financial assets. Your standard property insurance usually won’t pay for repairs for flood damages. Homeowners often have to buy flood insurance to cover this instead.
Keep in mind that flood insurance usually doesn’t cover any types of personal injuries. Your medical insurance — and the liability coverage within your regular property insurance — might cover these risks. Flood insurance can serve as a safeguard in case you need to evacuate. You can leave your home knowing that you might have some financial help, should you return to severe damage.
Safety Tips in Flooded Homes
If you have advance warning of a flood, do not stay in your home. You’ll expose yourself to untold risks if you refuse to follow any orders to evacuate. Even if floods have never trapped you before, do not assume you’ll never get trapped.
Sometimes, however flash flooding can leave you stranded in your home. In this situation, you should these safety tips in mind:
- If you can, shut off your home’s electricity, water, HVAC and gas. If floods affect these systems, they may cause a fire risk.
- Take refuge in the highest part of your home. This may be an upper floor or an attic. If you only have one level in your home, shelter in an elevated area that offers ample access to a door or windows. Do not hide in interior rooms.
- Have an emergency kit with you. This should include battery-operated radios and phones, first aid items, flashlights and a simple generator.
- Keep a supply of clean water and non-perishable food with you.
- If you are able to safely stay above the water line, do not attempt to swim or wade out of the home. Shelter in place until help arrives. Keep lifesaving materials on hand. If you have a life jacket or life raft, keep these at the ready.
- Never attempt to swim or walk through flood waters. Only flee the home if rising water poses an unavoidable safety threat. Some people even take shelter on their roofs to avoid having to enter flood waters.
- Make use of emergency flares, flags or other markers to attract rescuers’ attention. Try to establish contact with search and rescue authorities immediately.
A flood could strike at any time, without warning. If you become trapped inside your property, do everything you can to stay above the water, and follow the tips above to stay safe.
Make sure you have comprehensive flood insurance coverage. Call DJW Insurance Agency at (800) 820-0004 for a free New Iberia flood insurance quote.