Officials with FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the US Geological Survey are holding meetings in South Dakota communities this week. They are discussing the 2014 flood outlook, as well as flood insurance and disaster preparedness.
Jerry DeFelice is a spokesperson for FEMA. He says updates from the National Weather Service show below normal chances for flooding in South Dakota.
“Whatever that means,” DeFelice says. “We tend to think a little bit differently in that we know that floods can occur at anytime, anywhere. So our message is regardless of the outlook from say spring snowmelt, we want people to be prepared. And in preparing for floods, you’re also taking steps to prepare yourself for all other kinds of disasters including you know severe thunderstorms, or even a high wind event or a tornado.”
DeFelice says now is a great time to plan for disasters, since springtime is prone to severe weather events. He says the first step to prepare for flooding is to understand your risk.
“One of the best ways of doing that is touch base with the local emergency management office or city office to really understand what potential risk you might be in danger of,” DeFelice says. “But then there are simple steps you can take depending on your situation to guard against flooding. You can remove valuables from your basement if you’re subject to basement flooding. You can raise or elevate utilities so if you should get some flooding, minor flooding in the basement area doesn’t knock out your appliances.”
If you live near water, DeFelice says it’s a good idea to make sure septic tanks are secured and propane tanks are strapped down.
“And then even simple everyday things like cleaning downspouts, redirecting water away from your property’s basement, all those little things can add up to make a big difference for you,” DeFelice says.
And, DeFelice says, it’s a good idea to look into flood insurance.
“Well I think everybody should consider buying flood insurance,” DeFelice says. “After all, you’re protecting your most valuable asset, your own home. And a lot of people don’t understand that flooding is not covered under an ordinary homeowner’s policy. If you want to insure your home, and you can insure both the home and the content, you should consider purchasing insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. But that’s done by contacting your local insurance agent. Most agents will sell this flood insurance policy.”
Flood insurance must be purchased 30 days before it goes into effect. DeFelice says in most cases flooding is localized and never reaches a point where the federal government gets involved. He says it’s a good idea to have a plan, and then help others prepare as well.
Flood Outlook and Insurance Meetings:
Watertown – Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m. CDT, Classroom B, Codington County Extension Building, 1910 Kemp Ave. W.
Sioux Falls – Thursday, March 20, 5:30 p.m. CDT, Oyate Community Center, 2421 W 15th St.
Spearfish – Thursday, March 20, 6 p.m. MDT, Municipal Services Centre, Council Chambers (2nd floor), 625 5th St.