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Are you prepared for floods?

Volunteer Alexandria, the lead agency in Alexandria for the recruitment and management of unaffiliated volunteers during an emergency, takes awaresness seriously. Increasing awaresness and educating Alexandrians how to prepare for emergencies is one of our main responsibilities.  Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters and they certainly occur here. Flooding often occurs following a hurricane, thawing snow or several days of sustained rain. Flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe!

  • Talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners' policies do not cover flooding. Ask about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature, or a portable, battery-powered radio (or television) for updated emergency information.
  • Develop an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family should know where to go if they have to leave. Trying to make plans at the last minute can be upsetting and create confusion.
  • Discuss floods with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing floods ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.
  • Check your go-kit. Remember to check all the items needed in your kit such as water, food, medicine, extra clothes, radio, flashlight, first aid kit, can opener, etc.  
  • If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials. These include plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer and saw, pry bar, sand, shovels and sandbags.

To learn more about floods, go to The Federal Emergency Management's flood information website. If you would like to become an emergency preparedness volunteer and be more involved into your community, please visit us at the Volunteer Alexandria website and enter “Become an Emergency Preparedness Volunteer”. You can also call us at 703-836-2176.

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