Preparing for Floods

Know What to Expect

* Know your area’s flood risk–if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
* 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.

Reduce Potential Flood Damage By . . .

* Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
* Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop

* A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
* A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop

* A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
* A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

* 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 . . .

* 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 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.

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.

When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .

* Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .

* Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
* Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
* If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.