Spring can bring excessive rainfall. That’s why every year in March the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts Flood Safety Awareness Week in Connecticut to promote preparedness. Part of readiness includes getting FEMA surveys and taking additional steps to prepare for any event that might arise. The following measures will keep your family safe. 

3 Preparedness Tips for Emergency Situations

1. Find Out Whether You Live in a Floodplain

Knowing the risk of your area flooding will provide a better idea of what steps to add to your hazard mitigation plan. The FEMA Flood Map Service Center provides a navigation portal where you can find out the flood maps for your home and work addresses. You can also reach out to a licensed land surveyor for a FEMA survey. This way, you’ll know what vulnerabilities exist on your property that need to be addressed. Basement waterproofing, buying flood insurance, installing a sump pump, and raising appliances off the basement floor are all smart steps to take after getting the results of a FEMA survey. 

2. Create a Communication Plan for Your Family

Natural disasters can happen suddenly and have serious consequences, including evacuations, power outages, road closures, and building damage. It can also be difficult for family members to contact each other in the aftermath of major events. To keep a clear line of communication during emergencies, your family should have a plan in place beforehand. Your family should establish an evacuation route and location. You should also have an emergency kit in an easy-to-access area with nonperishable foods, bottled water or water purification tablets, medications, and extra clothes, so pick up the supplies before bad weather arrives. 

3. Promote Community Awareness 

Apart from educating your own family on disaster preparedness, you should also take steps to engage your community. Bring up the topic during neighborhood association meetings, establishing a support plan to keep everyone in the area safe. You can also urge local officials to improve communication with the public, letting them know when bad weather is in the forecast and how to prepare for the damage left in its wake.

If you need a FEMA survey to prepare for spring storms and attendant flooding, contact the licensed surveyors at Flynn & CYR Land Surveying in Kensington, CT. With over 30 years of experience, the staff will provide a thorough examination and let you know whether your property is at risk. To schedule an appointment, call (860) 828-7886 or visit the residential surveyors online for an estimate.