Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Flood can be in areas with a low risk of flooding. Just because there hasn't been a flood in the past, doesn't mean there won't in the future. Flood risk is based on a lot of factors including rainfall, landscape, flood-control measures, river-flow and tidal-surge data, flood history and changes due to new construction and development.
To prepare for a flood:
- Build an emergency kit
- Make a family communications plan
- Do not build in a floodplain unless you raise it up and support your home
- Raise up the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in a high flood risk area
- Think about putting in "check valves" to prevent water from backing up into the drains of your home
- If you can, build barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building. Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.