Make Safety a Priority During Storm Season

Remember that severe weather creates dangers
Once a storm is headed your way - even the garden variety summer thunderstorm - flooding from torrential rains, storm surge or elevated water levels may top the list of storm dangers. Floods are the number-one weather-related killer, so when a flood warning is issued, Bankers Insurance Group recommends taking critical steps in advance to ensure the safety of your family and to minimize damage to your home and possessions.

Flood warnings may be issued anywhere from 24-72 hours ahead of the anticipated flooding, even less in flash-flood situations. Bankers experts advise taking the following steps during that time:

Emergency Supplies
Make sure your stock of emergency supplies is adequate and that it is stored in a safe, flood-proof place. Include:

• 1-2 week supply of non-perishable food
• Enough bottled drinking water to provide at least one gallon per family member per day for at least seven days.
• Battery-operated radio and flashlights with extra batteries
• Trash bags
• Paper supplies such as paper towels and toiletries
• First aid kit
• Heavy gloves
• Cleaning supplies, including disinfectant

Clean the bathtub and fill it with water. Obtaining clean water for washing may become difficult during and after the flood, and you will need your bottled water for drinking.

Possible Evacuation

• Put your homeowners and flood insurance policies in a safe, waterproof place, along with extra cash, proof of identification and other important documents. Be ready to take them with you if you must evacuate.
• Fill your car with gas.
• Gather the things each family member will need if you must evacuate. Include clothing, sleeping bags or bedrolls, medicines, personal hygiene items, your flashlight and extra batteries, and baby supplies if you have an infant.
• Be prepared to follow evacuation orders immediately. If you are not in an evacuation zone and you feel it will be safe to stay in your home, doing so will help minimize already-congested traffic.

Other Safety Measures

• Check the outside of your house for items that might come loose and blow through windows or float away, such as patio furniture, awnings, grills, garbage cans, garden tools and large toys. Secure them or bring them inside.
• Know how to turn off utilities at the main switches or valves in case you are instructed by emergency officials to do so.
• If flooding occurs, stay away from flood waters and don't let children play in or near them. Flood water often carries snakes and insects and can be severely contaminated.
• Don't walk through moving water; six inches of moving water is enough to knock you off your feet. If you must walk, wear boots or sturdy shoes and look for water that is not moving.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to monitor conditions and instructions from emergency officials.

Remember that your homeowners insurance doesn't cover losses or damage from flooding. If you're not sure your property is protected, call your insurance agent or Bankers Insurance Group at 800-627-0000, x4900, or e-mail us.