Flood Awareness Week is urging residents to take steps now to reduce the impact of flooding on homes, property and finances as parts of Mississippi already face flooding and additional rain is forecast for the rest of the week, a Facebook post said.
The post recommends that homeowners and business owners find out whether their property lies in a floodplain, identify roads in their area that are prone to flooding and plan alternate routes, and know the quickest way to higher ground if flooding threatens their neighborhood.
It also advises considering flood insurance, noting that most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Never drive through flooded roadways, the post warned, because six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet and one foot of water can carry away most vehicles.
Floodplain maps are available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local planning offices, and flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
