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

Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 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 any photos or videos of all of your important possessions are in a safe place. These documents will help you file a full flood insurance claim.
• Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs) where they won't get damaged.
• Move furniture and valuables to the upper levels of your home.
• Make sure your sump pump is working.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Anchor fuel tanks. An unanchored tank in your basement can be torn free by floodwaters, and the broken supply line can contaminate your basement. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream, where it can damage other houses.
• 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.
• 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.

During a Flood

• Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
• Listen to a battery-operated 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 the waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic and, if necessary, the roof.
• Floodwaters may carry raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spreading substances. If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
• 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 and go another way. 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 say where you can be reached.
• Take photos of any water in the house 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 the building collapsing.
• 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 the tap 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 floodwaters.
• Boil water for drinking and food preparation until local authorities declare your water supply to be safe.
• Salvage water-damaged books, heirlooms and photographs.
• Follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding. Use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect your property from future flood damage.

Source: National Flood Insurance Program