National Safety Month: Stay Aware, Stay Prepared

June is recognized as National Safety Month, a month-long focus on how we can keep our client's environment safe and free from any danger awareness. Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the United States, and it can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Therefore, your clients must know how to prepare for potential flooding.

Flood Safety Steps

Flood safety involves taking measures to minimize the risks associated with flooding. It includes preparing for potential flooding, knowing how to respond during a flood, and taking steps to recover afterward. Flooding can result from various sources, including heavy rainfall, storm surges, and river overflow. For NFIP agents, educating clients on flood safety is essential. 

Preparing For Potential Floods

Preparing is critical in reducing the impact of flooding on homes and businesses. Agents can provide their clients with helpful tips on preparing for floods. These include:

1. Understanding flood risk: Individuals need to determine their flood risk. This can be done by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood map service center.
2. Obtaining flood insurance coverage: Flood insurance is critical in protecting homes and businesses from financial loss due to flood damage. NFIP agents can help their clients obtain flood insurance coverage.
3. Creating an emergency plan: A comprehensive emergency plan can help individuals and organizations to prepare for potential floods. This includes identifying safe evacuation routes, developing a communication plan, and preparing an emergency kit.

Responding To Floods

Knowing how to respond during a flood is critical in ensuring safety and minimizing damage. Agents can educate their clients on the necessary steps to take during a flood. These include:

1. Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters, Turn Around, Don’t Drown®. 
2. Depth and velocity is not always obvious; the ground or road may suddenly wash away and hidden dangers may exist; do not attempt to evacuate through flood waters. 
3. Know how to avoid injury from debris, contaminated water, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and damaged buildings and infrastructure.

Let's Make A Difference 

National Safety Month allows NFIP agents to raise awareness about flood safety and preparedness. By educating clients on the importance of flood safety, agents can help minimize potential floods' impact on homes and businesses. So, let's make a difference this month and ensure National Safety Month is noticed.