If electrical appliances have been under water, have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because the electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire. Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use. Individuals and business owners can protect themselves from flood losses by purchasing flood insurance through National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage.
Information is available through local insurance agents and emergency management offices.
Flooding has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people since 1900. More than 2,200 lives were lost as a result of the Johnstown, Pennsylvannia flood of 1889. This flood was caused by an upstream dam failure. Nearly 9 of every 10 presidential disaster declarations result from natural phenomena in which flooding was a major component. A wall of water 19 feet high roared down the Big Thompson Canyon where many people were camping.