If individuals have an immediate emergency need such as food, water, or shelter, they should contact their local emergency management office.

The best solution to that particular problem is vigilance. Stick your head up into the attic during a heavy rainfall or snow melt and look for signs of leakage. If you should see stains starting to form on your ceilings, take immediate action.

Basements are a simpler thing to monitor. Too often, though, we throw a bunch of stuff down there, shut the door and ignore it for weeks or months at a time. A small water leak develops, which is not so uncommon given that most basement ceilings have water supply and drain lines running every which way, and by the time you discover it, your stored belongings have been severely damaged.

Make a point to inspect all of those out-of-the-way storage spaces in your house from time to time. If you catch a small leak early, it can be repaired quickly. You can save your house, and your stored belongings, from serious damage.

* By Jeff Beneke, About.com Guide

• Bathrooms with poor ventilation. Install an exhaust fan if possible.
• Leaky water pipes. Repair them immediately.
• Roof leaks. Repair them right away.
• Flood aftermath. Repair as soon as possible.
• Clothes dryers and exhaust fans that vent under the house or back into the room. Vent them to the outside.

Help discourage mold growth by following these tips:

• Install a dehumidifier in chronically moist rooms.
• Don’t carpet rooms that stay damp.
• Insulate pipes and other cold surfaces to discourage condensation.
• Install storm windows to eliminate condensation on glass.
• Cover crawlspace dirt with plastic and ensure that the area is well ventilated.

* From Janet Wickell, former About.com Guide

Here are steps you should take in the event of a sewer backup:

• Call 1-800 FAST HELP for quick professional service.
• Evacuate if necessary. If the backup cannot be isolated, then young children, older adults, anyone suffering from respiratory ailments or weakened immune systems should leave the premises.
• Stay Out of Flooded Areas. Entering a flooded area creates a risk for accidental electric shock and excessive exposure to disease-causing contaminants.
• Safely Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas. To prevent accidental electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers and unplug electrical appliances in affected areas.
• Limit Exposure. Stop using plumbing and appliances that drain into the sewer system, including sinks, showers, toilets, dishwashers and laundry machines. Avoid direct contact with sewage and sewage contaminated items, if possible. Wear rubber gloves and boots when in the vicinity of the back up. Wash hands thoroughly after handling any contaminated items. Turn off forced air furnaces and air conditioners. Be careful not to track contamination into other parts of the residence.

* By In the Event of a Sewer Backup

DO…

• First, call 1-800 FAST HELP for quick professional service.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpeting.
• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open to allow for circulation.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of Vaseline or oil. Soot is caustic and can cause irreversible damage to brass and porcelain enameled surfaces. Do not touch porcelain or precious metals with your bare hands, as the oil on your hand may cause the soot to set in the item permanently.
• Open windows for ventilation if possible.

DO NOT…

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances, that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet because the wiring may be damaged.
• Don’t send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

1. Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms come in two types – ionization and photoelectric. These two kinds of smoke alarms detect smoke particles differently, which means they detect different types of fires. To be truly safe in case of a fire, it’s vital to have both types of smoke alarm installed in your home.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Unlike smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors measure the presence of carbon monoxide in the air and keep track of how long it is present. They trigger an alarm if carbon monoxide is present at low levels for a long time or at high levels for a short time. Most carbon monoxide detectors also save peak values in a memory for later retrieval.

3. Emergency Evacuation Plan
It’s important that the entire family know what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency. During a crisis, we humans respond the way we have been trained to do. Kids, especially, need a definite plan to help them react appropriately to an emergency. Evacuation plans are not just for fires, either, it’s important to have a plan for any emergency.

4. Fire Extinguisher
Choosing a fire extinguisher is based on the types of fires the extinguisher will be expected to put out. Fire extinguishers are rated for certain types of fires. The rating for a fire extinguisher helps determine where in the home, office, or car it will be best utilized.
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5. Fire Escape Ladder
Fire escape ladders provide a second exit from any room on any floor. A fire escape ladder lets anyone not on the ground floor use a window to escape a home during an emergency. Make sure your multi-floor home has one.

* By Rod Brouhard, About.com Guide

Many mistakenly believe that if a devastating flood was to strike their area the government would step in and help. In some cases federal disaster assistance is available to communities after a qualifying event, but only if the President declares the area a disaster. And if an area is declared a disaster, funds that become available to homeowners and renters, in most cases are loans that need to be repaid. Getting flood insurance coverage will cover your property regardless if your area is declared a disaster or not.

Planning for a flood is best done in advance-which means before any disaster is even possible. Preparing your home and family for a possible water intrusion problem is a 2 step process:

Step 1: Safeguarding Your Family and Personal Property

• Keep an inventory of your personal property with lists, serial numbers, video tapes, and pictures
• Keep insurance documents and other important papers in a safe place where flood water cannot destroy them
• Make a safe and separate area that can be removed quickly for treasured items such as photos and heirlooms
• Know how to shut off your home utilities if you need to leave your home
• Be aware of any outdoor items that would need to be secured or brought inside so they would not float away
• Keep warm blankets, water, food (canned with a can opener), and a first aid kit in your vehicle incase you need to leave
• Stock up on clean drinking water since it can become contaminated during major flooding
• Teach your family what to do in case of an emergency such as having a meeting place if you get separated

Step 2: Making Sure You Are Adequately Covered by Insurance

• Check with your insurance company to see what flood or water damage coverage you currently have
• Find out about what flood insurance is available for your area
• When purchasing a flood insurance policy be aware of policy limits, coverages, and waiting periods
• If you already have flood insurance take the time to understand how to file a claim
• Learn more about flood insurance from the Official Site of the National Flood Insurance Program

* By Bobby Sage, About.com Guide

1. Wading Through Flood Waters
Wading through flood waters is dangerous for several reasons. First, flood waters can be moving at a rapid pace. Before you know it, you can be swept away and drown. Next, flood water can contain hundreds of different chemicals that are harmful for the body. In addition, bacteria and other microorganisms can cause disease and infection.

2. Driving in Flood Waters
Driving in flood waters is dangerous and risky. Cars can be swept away in just a few inches of water. You can become stranded, or worse…

3. Having an Expired Flood Insurance Policy
Flood insurance can protect you from an unexpected flood. Typically, the people that assume they do not need flood insurance are the people most affected by flood damages.

4. Not Listening to Flood Stage Warnings
Every river has its own unique flood stage. Every single time a warning is posted for floods, be prepared. Many people assume they are not in a location to be affected by a flood, but this is not true. Once a river reaches flood stage, the results can be disastrous.

5. Misunderstanding the Dangers of Mold and Mildew
Mold after a flood can cause major problems even years after flood waters have receded. When hurricane Ike ravaged Texas, millions of tons of debris had to be removed because of growing mold and mildew problems.

6. Using Electricity After the Flood
Always remember that electrical lines and water do not mix. Standing in water and attempting to remove electrical wires is plain dangerous. Also remember that even if you do not have power in some locations in your house, not all the lines could be dead.

7. Handling Animals After a Flood
Snakes, rodents, and stray animals can be extremely dangerous after a flood. From bites to diseases, never handle or approach animals after a flood. Keep in mind that insects are also a huge nuisance after a flood and can carry diseases.

8. Forgoing Protective Clothing and Gloves
Always wear protective clothing and gloves after a flood. Chemicals, animals, and debris can cause serious illness or injury. It is also a good idea to wear a protective mask when cleaning up after a flood. Many of the chemicals or mold can cause respiratory problems.

9. Driving on Previously Flooded Roads and Bridges
Floods can damage roads and bridges. Unseen structural damage can mean it is not safe to drive on previously flooded roadways. Be sure that the area has been inspected by officials and approved for travel.

10. Passing on a Home Inspection
You should have your home inspected after a flood for unseen damages. Structural problems are not always apparent once the flood waters recede. A good inspector will check the structure of the house, the electrical system, the heating and cooling system, the sewage system, and more.

11. Ignoring Your Septic Tank or Sewage System
If your house is flooded, so is your septic tank or sewage system. Raw sewage is extremely dangerous and can carry a multitude of infectious agents. Be sure your plumbing system is in tact before resuming your daily routines in your home.
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12. Drinking Water After a Flood
Unless you get an official okay from your township or city, do not drink the water. Whether you have a well, spring water, or city water, the system may have been contaminated by flood waters. Have a professional test your water after the flood to be sure. Until then, drink bottled water.

13. Lighting Candles in a Building
Candles are a staple of emergency equipment. Why would lightning a candle be bad after a flood? The main reason for not lightning a candle is the possible presence of flammable liquids such as oil and gasoline. Lightning a candle in a flooded building could create a fire emergency on top of the flood emergency.

14. Forgetting to Keep Immunizations Current
Have you had a tetanus shot in the last ten years? Are your immunizations current? Floods can cause diseases because of the mix of microorganisms within the flood waters. Keep yourself and your children current on their immunizations to prevent problems.

15. Underestimating Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. Keep generators and gas-powered heaters in areas with good ventilation. Also make sure your home is well ventilated during clean up. It is also a good idea to keep a carbon monoxide detector in the home.

16. Failing to Take Photos
Keep a disposable camera in your emergency supply kit. Photos of damages can help you to make a claim to your insurance company after the flood is over. The photos can also be used to document the extent of the floods. Finally, you may even be able to learn how to better protect your home from another flood if you live in a flood prone area.

17. Not Having a Weather Safety Kit
Even a small storm can cause a loss of power for days. Not having power, especially in the winter months can be dangerous. Always have a weather emergency kit available. The kit can be stored in a large plastic bin and put in the corner of your garage or a closet. Maybe you will never use the kit, but maybe you will. Learn how to make a weather emergency kit.

18. Eating After a Flood
Foods in the pantry can be dangerous after a flood. High humidity and the spread of insects can cause even seemingly dry foods to become infested. Thrown out dry goods in boxes. Also throw out any foods that came in contact with the flood water.

19. Pumping Out a Basement Too Soon
Even after the flood waters have receded outside, your basement may be full of water. The level of water can vary, but even a small amount of water can cause structural damage. The most important point to remember is that water on the inside of the basement means there is water on the outside of the basement walls. The ground is typically saturated after a heavy storm. If you pump out the basement too soon, you could be looking at costly structural damage to your home. You may even experience a total wall collapse.

20. Failing to Renew Your First Aid or CPR Card
Having first aid skills is important for yourself and your loved ones. In the event of an emergency, your skills in taking care of an injured person should be very up to date.

* By Rachelle Oblack, About.com Guide

When you need to shut the water supply off to the entire house or when a local plumbing fixture has no local shutoff valve, the place to go is your home’s water meter.

Water Main Shutoff Vales © Home-Cost.com 2006

• At the water meter you’ll find a water supply line coming into the house from the outside.
• Between it and the water meter is a shutoff valve. On the other side of the water meter is another shutoff valve.
• To shut off the water to the house, turn off the valve located BEFORE the water meter, on the supply side.

Shutoff Locally at the Sink or Toilet

Many plumbing fixtures have a local shutoff for the cold and if required, the hot water line.

Toilet Shutoff Valve © Home-Cost.com 2006

• To turn off the water supply to a plumbing fixture, locate its shutoff valve.
• The valve(s) is usually located directly under the fixture as in the case of a sink or a toilet.
• Once located, turn off the appropriate valve.

Shutoff Locally at the Tub or Shower

Locating water shut off valves for tubs and showers are not as easy as sinks or toilets and are usually concealed.

Access Panel © Home-Cost.com 2006

• Look around the tub or shower for an access panel. It may be on the other side of the wall as the tub or shower.
• If it is not found in an access panel, then it is located under the floor in the basement or in a ceiling access panel in the floor below.
• Once located, turn off the appropriate valve.

* By Bob Formisano, About.com Guide

• Leave the faucet drip slightly as a trickle. The dripping water will keep the water in the pipe from freezing.
• Open kitchen base cabinet and let room air circulate.
• Open kitchen base cabinet and place a small portable heater near or in it to heat the pipes.
• Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.
• Insulate the problem pipes with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces.
• Temper the currently unheated crawlspace by placing a heater in the crawlspace. You just need to elevate the crawlspace temperature to modestly above freezing, about 40°F.

Remove the Hose!
In addition to the steps outlined above, there is one more that is guaranteed to save you major grief! That is the removal of any garden hoses you have attached to your hose bibbs (outside faucets).

Remove any hoses you have attached to your outdoor faucets and then go in the house and turn off the water to the outside faucet (also called a sill cock or hose bibb). It is critical to remove any hoses attached to the outside faucet! An attached garden hose is sure recipe for frozen pipe damage this winter.

The sill cock only turns water on and off outside, there is (or is supposed to be) a water shut off valve inside the house for the outside faucet. You may have to do some investigating in your home following water supply lines to try and find the shut off valve. They are usually located near the outside faucet.

By removing any hoses and turning off the water supply to the sill cock you have averted major risk of water damage done by a burst frozen pipe.

* By Bob Formisano, About.com Guide