North Dakota

Flooding Can Strike Anywhere – Be Prepared and Know What to Do

Flooding and flash floods can happen almost everywhere, and at any time. According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration, on average between 20 and 25 percent of all flood insurance claims are paid to people living outside high risk areas.

State Farm encourages extreme caution during a flood:

• Never walk or drive through rushing flood waters. Even six inches of moving water is dangerous. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.
• Listen to radio or TV broadcasts for emergency information and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• Avoid flood waters, storm drains and sewers. Move to higher ground or floors, even the roof if necessary.
• Keep children and pets away from flood water.
• Stay away from downed power and electrical wires since electrical currents pass easily through water.

Following a flood:

• Clean your home. Throw out any foods that may have come in contact with flood waters, even canned goods.
• Have damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems serviced as soon as possible.
• Until local authorities proclaim your water is safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation.
• Turbulent spring and summer weather serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting your property with flood insurance.

It is important to note that, while most vehicles with comprehensive coverage have some insurance coverage for flood, the basic homeowner’s policy does not provide flood coverage. Remember that federal flood insurance guidelines require a 30-day waiting period before new policies can be activated.

For flood precaution tips, click here.