Des Moines neighborhood closed amid fears of flood

Fears of the Birdland levee are all too present in the minds of Des Moines, Iowa residents who live near Saylorville Lake and the Des Moines River Valley. It was only two years ago that the levees broke and flooded the neighborhood.

Forecasts Call for Rain

As forecasters predict rainy weather, residents who live around Saylorville Lake prepare their homes and property for the worst. The “Des Moines Register” reports “engineers fret that weakened levees could slough off into the river as water levels drop, which could bring their block another catastrophic flood.”

Preparing for a Flood

Despite the anger residents may feel at the federal and city government for not having built a stronger levee, they must keep looking forward and prepare for what may come. With the news of the potential levee breach, residents prepared their homes by learning from their past mistakes and considering expert advice. This advice included the following:

• Place all valuables on the second story of your home or in a safe location that is not in the path of the potential flood.
• Secure items that have the potential to float away, such as gas tanks.
• Know your local evacuation routes and the location of the nearest emergency shelters.
• Be protected with not only homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, but with flood insurance as well.
• Plan to recover. Keep the contact information for your insurance agency and policy numbers handy. In addition, have the contact information for a professional restoration company with you so they can help you remove the floodwaters from your home, which can quickly cause damaging mold growth if left untreated.