Know What To Expect
- Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your local emergency management office, planning and zoning department or local Red Cross chapter.
- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
- As little as one foot of moving water can carry most cars off the road.
- Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off his or her feet.
- Most flood-related deaths occur at night and are vehicular.
- Urban and small stream flash floods often occur in less than one hour
- Tropical cyclones pose significant risk well inland due to fresh water flooding.
- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur very soon in your area.
When a Flood WATCH is Issued
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
Preparation For A Flood
- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing The Following
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WARNING is Issued
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
Flood Safety Actions
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio when severe weather threatens
- Children should not play in flooded areas where hidden sharp objects, electrocution and pollution are serious hazards.
- In highly flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber and shovels
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canals and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.
- Drive carefully when water covers the road. If the road surface is obscured, water may be deeper than it appears.
- Test drinking water for potability-wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking. Do not use food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
- Stay away from downed power lines and never drive into moving water.
- Determine the elevation of your property. Consider what mitigation measures you can do in advance. Evaluate your insurance coverage.