Flood Preparedness & Recovery

Flood Preparedness and Flood Relief Tips From Lowe’s

While you hope you never have to experience severe weather, it’s important to make sure you’re ready and prepared in the event it occurs. In the case of a flood emergency, the best way to prepare is to learn and practice evacuation routes and have a flood-proofing plan in place to protect your home. This can include moving valuables to out-of-reach areas, cleaning drains and gutters, and investing in materials and tools like tarps, plywood, sand bags, sump pumps and chainsaws.

Flood warning signs include but aren’t limited to heavy rainfall, dam or levee failure, and tropical storms. To prepare, you can use sand bags as a barrier to help reduce flooding inside of your home. You should also make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries and a first aid kit.

After a flood disaster strikes, listen to authorities for flood information and instructions before returning to your home. Floodwater can contain dangerous debris and contamination, so use caution. A pair of rubber work gloves can help protect you from objects in the water and from directly touching unknown substances. There’s also a big risk for electrocution if electrical equipment is in standing water, so don’t return home until utility officials have said it’s safe to do so.

Not sure what to do after a flood? Cleanup and repair can be a long process, but you can feel confident that Lowe’s has the supplies you need, including cleaning supplies, shop vacuums, pressure washers, mold removers, air purifiers, bottled water and more. We have post-flood items, too, such as propane tanks for cooking and lumber for construction repairs. We can also show you how to safely clean up in and around your home and stay safe once a storm is over with our article How to Clean Up After a Hurricane, Tornado or Flood.