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FLOODING
What do I do if it floods?
Go to higher ground during floods. Flood waters only a few inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Flash floods carry deadly cargo of rocks, mud, and other debris and can occur without any visible sign of rainfall. Mudslides are another danger created by flooding.
Be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, creeks, culvers, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.
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What do I do before a flood?
- Know the terms used to describe flooding:
- Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
- Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to commercial radio or television for additional information.
- Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.
- Urban and Small Stream Advisory - Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring.
- Ask your local emergency management office whether your property is in a flood-prone area. Learn the elevation level of your property. This will help you know how your property will be affected when flood levels are forecasted. Ask how you can protect your home from flooding.
- Identify dams in your area and determine if they pose a hazard.
- Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your community's flood evaluation routes and where to find higher ground.
- Talk to your family about flooding. Plan a place where you can meet your family in case you are separated from one another in a disaster and cannot return home. Choose an out-of-state contact for everyone to call to say they are okay. In some emergencies, calling out-of-state is possible, even when local phone lines are down.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit (pdf). Include a battery-operated ratio, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid supplies, sleeping supplies and clothing. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water.
- Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating system works.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under homeowners' insurance policies.
- Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings and store them in a safe place.
- Keep insurance policies, deeds and other important papers in a safe place away from your home.
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What do I do during heavy rains?
- If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:
- Secure your home. If you have time, move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
- If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Fill you car with fuel.
- Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.
- Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.
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What do I do after a flood?
- Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
- Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
(Information provided by the FEMA)
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