I have both read, and been told by someone who grew up in the Netherlands, that quite a few of the older homes there have a small boat and an axe in the attic. The reason comes down to a historic event when the levies broke one night and a lot of people drown.

I think that living in a flood zone is pretty bad. I would avoid it if at all possible. But given a lack of options a john boat, axe, and some supplies in the attic and a gable end that is designed to be removed makes a lot of sense.