Keep Your Children Safe in the Evenet of a Flood

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a government entity that focuses on natural resources, points out that children - especially when very young - tend to be the most at risk to the inherent dangers of floods. There are specific steps you should take to protect children against the potential dangers a flood can pose.

Proactive steps are critical
Parents should regularly monitor the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather service when there is any chance of a flood. Knowing as early as possible can make the difference between safely evacuating your children from the home and getting trapped.

Save The Children, a nonprofit organization devoted to child safety, recommends parents teach their kids what floods are, how or when they occur, and what they need to do when the event strikes.

Here are a few lessons to note:

• Do not panic – find mom and dad as quickly and calmly as possible.
• Do not try to take any toys.
• Do not try to leave the house alone.

So long as you have prepared properly, children will understand what is happening and be ready to act as you taught them with respect to getting through the brunt of the flood, whether that involves evacuation or other actions.

Following the flood, there is just as much to be done to protect children. The EPA suggests keeping a close eye out for mold in the home after the flood passes, properly managing water to ensure it does not become contaminated, avoiding the use of generators indoors to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and checking to make sure there are no electrical wires exposed.

Additionally, thoroughly cleaning all kitchenware and toys is important as exposure to bacteria, viruses and chemicals are all risks during floods. If kitchenware or toys are beyond the point of simple cleaning, do not hesitate to throw them out.

These steps will protect the health and safety of your children, but you will also need to ensure that you are properly covered with respect to the financial threats of floods.

Homeowners insurance does not automatically include flood coverage. Should you not have flood insurance, this could mean tens of thousands of dollars in real losses, and a potential inability to conduct the necessary repairs to your home and vehicles following the event.

For information on coverage, visit The Insurance Centers site or contact Zita Santos-Martinez at 732-832-4132.

Photo and article courtesy of Selective Insurance Group