Flood Safety Tips

• Find out if you live in a flood zone to see if you are at higher risk for flooding. Consider purchasing a flood insurance policy to cover the cost of repairs. 
• Learn about ways to protect your home or business from flooding. 
• Know your hurricane evacuation zone and route, and be prepared to evacuate if directed by public officials.
• Sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston.
• Monitor the weather forecasts.
• Take pictures inside and outside your home or business to document its condition in case of flood damage. Before and after photos will be useful for filing insurance claims.

In your home

• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, copies of critical information, and non-perishable food items.
• Remove from your basement important documents and valuable or sentimental items. Store them in waterproof, plastic containers above the flood plain to prevent damage. 
• If you have a sump pump, check that it is working.
• Clear your basement of hazardous waste.
• Follow any directives to turn off utilities. If you’re advised to switch off the main power source to your home, flip each breaker and THEN turn off the main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s gas and water service. 
• Unplug any appliances below the floodplain to prevent electrical shock when the power is turned on.
• Keep grease out of the sewers. Grease and cooking oil can clog your home’s pipes and the city’s sewers causing backups. Place grease in a container and dispose of it in the garbage.

Outside your home

• Tie down or bring in outdoor objects (like outdoor furniture and trash receptacles) that could be swept away or damaged during flooding.
• Clear your property of pollutants to prevent them from entering the storm drains
• Keep rain gutters and downspouts secure and clear of debris to prevent water damage. Be sure downspouts have a downward slope for drainage and use an extension, if necessary, to direct water at least 5-10 feet away from the foundation. 
  • Cost: Gutter cleaning services are typically $100-$500, depending on the size of your home and pitch of your roof.
• Keep catch basins clear. Leaves, litter, and other debris can collect on the City’s basin grates preventing stormwater from entering the system and causing street flooding. Consider adopting a drain near your home or business, removing debris prior to a rain or snow storm, and clearing snow after a storm to prevent flooding in your area.
• Consider parking your vehicle away from the ocean, rivers, or other bodies of water to prevent flood damage.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those that are elderly and those with disabilities, to see if they need support.

• Do not wade, walk, or swim in flood waters due to the risk of injury from debris, electrocution from downed wires, and exposure to harmful chemicals or pathogens potentially carried by the flood waters.
• Do not drive in floodwaters. Over 50% of flood deaths are auto-related, usually from drivers misjudging the depth of water. Turn around; don’t drown!
• Report roadway flooding or sewer backups not caused by conditions in your home to 311.