Most flood deaths are caused by flash floods. Here are some guidelines to help minimize the likihood of injury, death or damage to property:

v     Know your home’s flood risk.  Your local emergency management office can determine this for you.

v     A flood Watch means a flood is possible in your area. 

v     A flood Warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon.  If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

v     A flash flood Watch means flash flooding is possible in your area.  Be alert and ready to evacuate.

v     A flash flood Warning means a flash flood is occurring or is imminent.  Act quickly – you may have only seconds.

v     An Urban or Small Stream Advisory means that flooding of small waterways, streets, low-lying  areas, storm drains and underpasses is occurring.  Avoid travel is possible.

Before a Flood:

v     Learn flood warning signs and recognize your community alert signals.

v     If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials.

v     Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

v     Plan and practice an evacuation route.

v     Develop an emergency communication plan between family members by 1) Choosing an out-of town friend or relative as a contact person in case your family is separated and memorize their phone number and 2) Choose a meeting place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

v     Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding.

v     Keep insurance policies,, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit box.

v     Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit (see our’s)

During a Flood:

v     Listen to battery operated radio for storm information

v     Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water.

v     Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

v     Fill your car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued.

v     If you are instructed to do so by authorities, turn off all utilities at the main switch and close the main gas valve.

v     Get your Disaster kit or supplies ready.

v     If told to leave, do so immediately and be prepared to evacuate.

After a Flood:

Note:  Flood dangers do not end when water begins to recede.  Don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

v     Help neighbors who may require special assistance.

v     Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage

v     Stay our of buildings surrounded by flood waters and if entering, use extreme caution.

v     Wear sturdy shoes and use battery powered flashlights or lanterns.  Do not use candles when examining buildings.

v     Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.

v     Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come from flood waters.

v     Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.

v     Take pictures of the damage – both house and contents for insurance claims.

v     Look for fire hazards, i.e., broken or leaking as lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances, flammable or explosive materials from upstream.

v     Pump out flooded basements gradually to avoid structural damage

v     Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits as soon as possible

If you are in your car:

v     Never drive through a flooded area!  Remember, the force of water reduces your car’s weight by 1,500 pounds for every foot the water rises.  As little as 2 feet of moving water can carry most automobiles away.

v     If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way.

v     If you car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

v     Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.  

v     Do not drive around barricades – they are there for your safety!

Other precautions:

v     Boil drinking water before using

v     Pump out wells and test water purity before drinking

v     Throw out food that comes in contact with flood water

v     Inspect and dry all electrical equiment before returning to service

v     Report broken utility lines to authorities