The National Weather Service recently issued their second spring flood outlook for the Des Moines service area, and the outlook is concerning.
The risk of minor, moderate and major river flooding is generally above normal at all locations. This announcement is not intended to create panic but to build individual, family and community resiliency through preparedness.
Please consider taking the following actions:
- Have a plan, assemble a kit with needed resources and stay informed.
- Conduct an insurance review (home, life, auto, renters, flood, sump pump rider, etc.). Keep in mind that flood insurance is usually not included in your homeowner’s insurance policy, and it takes 30 days after purchase for it to become in-force.
- Inventory your household items, video, copy and digitize your important documents, family albums and scrap books.
- Start or add to your emergency savings fund. Three to six months of expenses is recommended.
- Sign up for Dallas County’s free Emergency Notification System by using this hyperlink or, from a mobile device, by texting “dallasalerts” to 69310.
- Put together a go-kit with supplies in a backpack or suitcase if you need to evacuate quickly.
- Help a family member or friend by checking on them and enhancing their level of readiness.
For more information, call the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency at 515-993-2134.
