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City of Colorado Springs Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan Appl?ndix .A - In The Event of a Flf)od: Tzps to minimize loss of liJ~ and~ property The following tips are from the :~ederal Emer- gency Management Agency Federal Insur- ance Administration National Flood Insurance Program and shoulld be used as suggested guidelines for action before, during, and after a flood. STEPS TO TAKE TODAY o Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing', and valuables. Photographs of your home - inside and out - are helpful. These will assist an adjuster in settling claims and will help prove uninsured losses, which are tax deductib!le. o Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to high, safi~ ground if you should hav'l to evacuate in a hurry. o Keep a portable radio, eme'rgency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order, o Persons who live in frequently /Woded ar- eas sMuld keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood, plasti.: sheeting, and lumber wh;ich can be used to protect private property. (H.emember, sandbal,'S should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a building, since, when wet, the bags may create added pres,mre on the foundat.ion,) o Buy fZood. insurance, You should contact your propeJ'ty/casualty agent or broker about eligibility f<>r flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Pro- gram, Gellllrally, there is a five-day waiting period for this policy to become effective, so don't wait until the last minute to apply. o Keep your insurance policies and a list of personal property in a safe place, such as a safety-deposit box. o Know the name and location of the agent(s) who issued the policies. WHEN THE FLOOD COMES The safety of your family is the most important consideration. Since flood. waters can rise very rapidly, you should be prepared to evacuate before the water level reaches your property. o Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station, and follow all emergency instructions, D If you're caught in the house by suddenly rising waters, move to the second floor and, if necessary, to the roof. Take wann clothing, a flashlight, and portable radio with you, Then wait for help,..don't try to swim to safety. Res- cue teams will be looking for you, D When outside the house, remember.... FLOODS ARE DECEPTIVE. Try to avoid flooded areas, and don't attempt to walk through floodwaters that are more than knee deep, D If, and only if, time permits...there are sev- eral precautionary steps that can be taken. D Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacu- ation appears necessary__ Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area 18