Q. How do I know if my home is located in a flood-prone area?

A. Flooding is a concern for many Illinois homeowners. When buying a home, check with your REALTOR® to find out if the home you are considering is located in a flood plain. If it is, your lender may require flood insurance.

If you are not sure if your current home is located in a flood plain, contact your local Emergency Services and Disaster Agency or ESDA to find out if you live in a flood-prone area. If you do, you may want to purchase flood insurance and take steps to prepare your home.

Here are a few tips from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency on preparing your home and family for a flood:

• Learn the local flood warning signals.

• Purchase a weather radio with battery backup and tone alert.

• Learn community flood evacuation routes and where to go in an emergency.

• Assemble a disaster kit, including a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, sleeping supplies, warm clothing, food and extra drinking water.

• Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water in your home.

• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

• Make sure your insurance covers all personal belongings in cases of flooding.

• Make a list of all of your belongings, along with photos and videotape if possible and keep it in a safe, dry place.

• Keep important records and documents in a safe deposit box or off-site location.

• Have a flood disaster plan and make sure all family members know where to meet in an emergency.

• Have a plan ready to help any family members, friends or neighbors who may need assistance in a flood situation.