3) Most homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Whether you are in a high risk zone or not, you may need flood insurance.
Call your insurance agent today and protect what you've built or click HERE for more information.
4) Clear debris from drains & stream banks to help prevent flooding and property damage for you and your neighbors downstream!
Be sure roadway gutters and storm drains closest to your home are clear of any debris. Flood risks increase when drains are clogged with snow or debris.
Stream-side residents should keep all yard debris away from stream banks and out of the stream. Any debris on or near the banks can easily get swept away when stream levels rise. Once branches, grass clippings, leaf piles, firewood, lumber, and other debris get into the stream, they can block culvert openings, snag on bridge crossings, or quickly clog in-stream trash grates. This can cause flooding, severe bank erosion, and property damage.
Check on your neighbors.
Help your neighbors who need assistance prepare for flood season by volunteering to be a Sandbag Samaritan.
Did you know that sandbags can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds each? Handling filled sandbags can be a strenuous activity. Help your neighbors who need assistance prepare for flood season by volunteering to be a Sandbag Samaritan. You could fill, transport, and/or help create sandbag barriers for those who cannot do so themselves. Sign up to be a Sandbag Samaritan today, HERE. Your contact information will not be shared publicly.
NOTE: This is not a Summit County sponsored program, and Summit County's volunteer policy does not apply to anyone who signs up to help. Summit County assumes no liability for any damage or injury caused by or to volunteers engaged in this activity.
Flood events can devastate communities. Help yours be prepared & safe.
Connect with your neighbors and discuss local flood risks and planning needs. If flooding is expected, help others prepare. Does your elderly neighbor need help getting sandbags? Assistance elevating and protecting their belongings? Will your neighbors be out-of-town for the season? Do they need help preparing their property for a flood? Find out before one happens. Learn more, HERE.
Do’s and Don’ts of flooding season.
Be cautious if hiking or camping near a stream or river.
If you’re planning to camp or hike near a stream or river, remember that it doesn't have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding. If you notice a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately. Learn more, HERE.
Stay out of floodwaters.
Don’t walk through or swim in flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. Moreover, flood waters can contain harmful chemicals and objects that could harm you or make you sick. Learn more, HERE.
Never drive around flood barricades.
Do not drive around barricades into floodwaters. More than 50% of all flood fatalities are vehicle related. It only takes 12 inches of fast-moving water to carry off a small car and 18 inches of water to sweep a larger vehicle away. Turn around, don’t drown. Learn more, HERE.
After a flood.
The Summit County Environmental Health Team has concerns if a private well or sewage system mixes with floodwater. Here are some helpful resources for properly testing and disinfecting a drinking water well.
How to sample drinking water for bacteria through the County's water testing program, HERE.
How to disinfect drinking water well, HERE.