Keeping Your Family Safe and Secure During a Flood

Flooding is one of the most dangerous weather-related threats that can occur any day of the year. Depending on the conditions, floods may happen within the span of hours or even minutes. More than 13 million Americans live in flood zones, with damage to homes and businesses exceeding billions of dollars annually.

 

At Ferrellgas, we take safety seriously! If severe flooding is predicted for your area, make sure to shut off the gas valve on your propane tank. After a flood, one of our propane professionals should inspect your propane system and appliances so that they’re back up and running as soon as possible.

 

When it is safe to do so, assess the damage to your property with caution. If your propane tank has shifted or been knocked over, call us immediately so an experienced technician can inspect your system. In the dark, use a flashlight instead of a candle to avoid potential combustion, and never inspect or touch appliances if standing in water.

 

After the flooding, our drivers will work tirelessly to bring propane to our customers. Delivery windows may be impacted due to safety concerns, so if you have chosen our Will Call program it is important to contact us for a fill no less than seven days before you anticipate needing propane, or when your tank reaches 30 percent. You may also consider signing up for Auto Fill, which[KS1]  allows us to estimate when you need propane and schedule a fill automatically. More information can be found in our customer agreement.

 

Major floods can cause power outages for extended periods of time. Make sure you fully charge your cell phones and keep a battery-powered radio on standby. This way, you can receive regular updates on the weather conditions and find out about any evacuation or shelter-in-place orders. For a reliable power source, consider getting a propane generator. This will ensure that you have power to your essential appliances or even your whole house, depending on the type of generator you choose. Also, remember, gas grills are a great way to keep your family fed when the power goes out! You can locate your nearest Blue Rhino location here.

 

Before any natural disaster hits, it’s a good idea to create and review an emergency preparedness plan for your household. This should include instructions for evacuation routes and sheltering, as well as contact information for emergency services. Keep a supply kit with several days’ worth of food, water, and other essentials in an easily accessible location. You may also want to consider coming up with a plan to shore up your house and secure your valuables in case flooding occurs.

 

In any hazardous situation, it is always best to stay calm and collected. By following safety guidelines, staying alert for weather updates, and preparing in advance, you can be confident that[KS2]  your family will be ready for any challenges a flood may bring!

 

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