Save Lives and Your Property by Preparing for Floods, Gov. Hochul Urges

By Yehudit Garmaise

“Flooding is the top weather-related threat New Yorkers face,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul as she kicked off Flood Safety Awareness Week. 

With flooding killing almost 100 Americans and causing billions of damage to businesses and property each year, Gov. Hochul wants to teach New Yorkers what to do: before, during, and after a flood.

"I've seen first-hand how destructive and deadly floods can be,” said National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road: Turn Around Don't Drown!"

“Do not wait to plan for flooding!” said Gov. Hochul about the weather event that can cause death, landslides, power outages, and transportation disruptions. “While a flood emergency may never happen to you, if it does, a little advance preparation could save your life and the lives of others.

As floods can come on with little warning, New Yorkers should sign-up for free emergency alerts such as weather warnings, road closures, and other emergency information at https://alert.ny.gov, encouraged Gov. Hochul and NY’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray.

To research the flood risks posed by the areas in which New Yorkers live, they can click on the Flood Map Service Center of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Cray also provided the following tips for New Yorkers to follow to protect themselves, their families, and the property in the case of a flood, cv’s.

1. Prepare emergency supply kits: with extra water, non-perishable food, flashlights with working batteries, and other emergency supplies in the case of flooding.

2. Develop emergency plans to evacuate your younger and older family members if a flood hits.

3. Document your belongings and valuables. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create digital, password-protected copies of important documents, pictures, and other items.

4. Buy flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding.

5. Evacuate when advised by emergency officials. Do not wait. Please follow all orders promptly.

6. Do not travel at all during a flood. One foot of moving water can sweep vehicles away. Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. If you have doubts, remember: "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

7. Consider others’ preparation for flood emergencies. Check on neighbors and the elderly.