Even if your house doesn't sit in the middle of a floodplain, flood preparedness can save you money in the event of a flood.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides flood insurance nationwide. In addition to protecting your assets with an insurance policy, the NFIP offers these tips for minimizing losses and ensuring safety.

Before a flood

• Make sure you've taken inventory of all of your important possessions. Keep any photos or videos in a safe place.
• Buy a waterproof safe or a water-resistant cabinet and store important documents and irreplaceable personal items in them so they won't get damaged.
• Review your property insurance policies before a flood. Make sure policies are current and be certain they meet your needs (type of coverage and amount of coverage). A standard home insurance policy does not cover flood damage.
• Move furniture and valuables to the upper levels of your home.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power or buy a spare submersible portable sump pump.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• If your washer and dryer are in the basement, elevate them on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. If you can't elevate large appliances, wrap them in polyethylene film and tie the film in place with a cord or rope.
• Have a supply of bottled water stored where it will as safe as possible from flooding.
• Buy large coolers and have a supply of ice on hand.
• Have a packed bag that can be easily carried. This is your "disaster supply kit" that contains the essentials you may need if you have to evacuate. It should have: Blankets, batteries for your cell phone, cash and credit cards, essential food and water for three days, extra clothing and shoes, first aid kit, flashlights, work gloves, roll of duct tape, tent, basic tools and three-month supply of prescription medications. The kit should be ready to go on a moment's notice if you have to leave your home quickly.
• Make sure you have a portable telephone charger.
• Stock up on food that doesn't require refrigeration or cooking.
• Have a battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries on hand. Also, having a manual can opener is a good idea.
• Have a family emergency plan: Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone. Teach children to dial 911. Plan and practice a flood-evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address and phone number of this contact person.
• Don't forget to have a plan for your pets. Purchase "In Case of Emergency Save My Pet" stickers and place on your living room window or any window where it can be seen easily. Emergency pet stickers can be purchased at your local pet store. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed in shelters due to health regulations. The Humane Society and other pet-refuge groups can help. Also, if you know that severe flooding is eminent, contact a trusted family member of friend who lives away from the area and arrange for them to care for your pets until it is safe to return home again.

During a flood

• Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
• Listen to the TV or radio for the latest storm information.
• If local authorities instruct you to do so, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
• If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
• If waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic or, if necessary, the roof.
• Floodwaters may carry raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spreading substances. If you come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid walking through floodwaters. As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Don't drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around. A car can be carried away by just 2 feet of flood water.
• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
• Look out for animals — especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too.

After a flood

• If your home has suffered damage, call the agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. If you are unable to stay in your home, make sure to tell them where you can be reached.
• Take photos of damage and save damaged personal property. This will make filing your claim easier. If necessary, place these items outside the home. An insurance adjuster will need to see what's been damaged in order to process your claim.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Don't go in if there is a chance of building collapse.
• Do not use matches, cigarette lighters or other open flames upon re-entering your property. Gas may be trapped inside. If you smell gas or hear hissing, open a window, leave quickly and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Avoid using the toilets and faucets until you have checked for sewage and water-line damage. If you suspect damage, call a plumber.
• Throw away any food, including canned goods, that has come in contact with floodwater.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves and goggles while cleaning up an affected area.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation for one minute until local authorities declare your water supply to be safe.
• All items that cannot be washed and disinfected should be tossed, including waterlogged toys. Once toys are emerged in flood water they become unsanitary.
• Clean clothing in a washer as soon as possible because piles of wet clothes create mildew. Put 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach in the wash water before adding clothes.
• Go to a laundromat when washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your waste-water system has been inspected and serviced. Always wear rubber gloves when handling flood-soaked items.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units and dehumidifiers. Do not use space heaters.
• Follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding. Use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect your property from future flood damage.

Sources: National Flood Insurance Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention