Ready PA Monthly - March 2025

1. Check Your Flood Risk
Before you do anything else, find out if your home is in a flood-prone area. You can use this tool to check your flood risk. Even if you don’t live near a river or stream, heavy rains can still cause flooding, so it’s always good to be prepared.

2. Get Flood Insurance
Did you know that regular homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage? Flood insurance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Since it takes about 30 days to go into effect, don’t wait until the next big storm to get covered! You can buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurance companies. Learn more here.

3. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around your home and seep into your basement. Clean them out regularly, especially before heavy rain is expected. Also, make sure downspouts direct water at least six feet away from your house to keep it from collecting near the foundation.

4. Install a Sump Pump (and a Backup Battery!)
A sump pump is a great way to keep your basement dry by pumping out excess water. If you already have one, make sure it’s working properly. Since storms can knock out power, a battery backup is a smart idea to keep it running when you need it most.

5. Seal Any Cracks in Your Foundation
Take a walk around your home and check for any cracks in the foundation, walls, or basement floor. Water can sneak in through small gaps, so use sealant or waterproof coatings to keep it out. This is a simple fix that can make a big difference.

6. Raise Your Appliances & Utilities
If flooding happens, you don’t want to lose important things like your water heater, furnace, or washer and dryer. If possible, raise them above potential flood levels or move them to higher ground. This can help prevent costly repairs and damage.

Stay Prepared!
Taking these steps now can save you a lot of stress (and money) later. Keep an eye on the weather, listen to local alerts, and stay ready for spring floods. A little preparation now can go a long way in protecting your home and family!

Flood Watch: Be Ready!
A Flood Watch means conditions could lead to flooding, but it’s not happening yet. Think of it as a heads-up to get prepared. These watches are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before flooding is expected and can cover large areas.

What to do:
✔️ Stay updated with weather alerts.
✔️ Check your emergency kit and make sure you have food, water, and supplies.
✔️ Plan where you’ll go if evacuation becomes necessary.
✔️ Keep important documents in a waterproof container.

Flood Warning: Take Action Now!
A Flood Warning means flooding is already happening or will happen very soon. This is your sign to act immediately. What to do:
🚨 Move to higher ground if you’re in a flood-prone area.
🚨 Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters—just six inches of moving water can knock you over!
🚨 Follow local alerts and instructions from emergency officials.

Understanding Different Types of Floods
🌊 River Flooding
This happens when rivers or streams overflow and flood nearby areas. It can last for days or even weeks. If you live near a river, stay informed about rising water levels.

⏳ Flash Flooding
Flash floods happen fast—within just a few hours or even minutes after heavy rain. These are especially dangerous because they can catch people off guard. Never drive through floodwaters; turn around and find another route!

Stay Alert, Stay Safe!
Flooding can be dangerous, but by staying informed and prepared, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

💡 Want to learn more?
✔️ Visit Ready PA for flood safety tips.
✔️ Check out Flood Awareness Week resources from the National Weather Service.

Remember: Preparedness saves lives! Stay safe, stay ready, and keep an eye on those flood alerts.

These life-saving devices work silently in the background to protect your family, but they need a little maintenance to stay in top shape. A simple test and battery change can make all the difference in an emergency.

Here’s Your Quick & Easy Safety Checklist:
✅ Test Your Alarms: Press the test button to make sure they sound loud and clear. If they don’t, replace the batteries!

✅ Change Batteries Once a Year: Even if you haven’t heard a low-battery beep, swap them out annually to be safe.

✅ Check the Age of Your Alarms: Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years—if yours are older, it’s time for an upgrade!

✅ Place Them in the Right Spots:
✔️ Smoke alarms: On every floor, in every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.
✔️ Carbon monoxide detectors: Near bedrooms and any fuel-burning appliances (like gas stoves or fireplaces).

✅ Practice Your Family’s Evacuation Plan: Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.

💡 A Few Minutes of Maintenance = A Safer Home!

Take a moment today to check your alarms—it’s a small task that can make a big difference in keeping your family safe. Let’s make spring safety a priority! 🌷🚨

Want more safety tips? Visit Ready PA here for more ways to keep your home and family protected!