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The best time to take action to avoid flood damage and stay safe is before a flood ever happens. More people die from flood-related causes than any other natural hazard. The best thing you can do to stay safe and avoid property damage is to be prepared for a flood and follow established floodplain regulations.
Before a flood event...
- Find out if you live in a floodprone area.
- Be alert to weather conditions. Check your local radio station for emergency flood information released by the National Weather Service.
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- A Flash Flood
Watch means heavy rains could result in flash floods in specific areas.
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- A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent in specific areas. Be alert and be prepared for the possibility of a flood emergency.
- Buy a flood insurance policy and make a list of personal property such as furniture, clothing, valuables, etc. and keep the policy and list in a safe place. You may also want to take photographs or videos of your home and property inside and out.
- Determine the safest evacuation route to higher ground from your home or business.
- Keep a portable radio, first aid kit, emergency food, water and cooking utensils, cash and credit cards, animal carriers and other pet provisions ready for use; make sure your flashlights are in working order.
- Make sure all family members know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
During a flood...
- Move to higher ground and stay there.
- Call 911 for any flood emergencies.
- Use your portable radio and stay tuned to a local station; follow all
emergency instructions.
- Stay away from the banks of flooded washes and rivers.
- Do not attempt to walk or drive across flooded washes or streams.
- Never drive around or cross barricaded street dip sections. More people
drown in their cars than anywhere else.
After a flood...
- Flood dangers do not end when water begins to recede.
- Stay clear of disaster areas.
- Check for structural damage before entering a building.
- Turn off the electricity before entering a flood-damaged building.
- Be alert for gas leaks and use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
- Stay away from downed or broken power lines and electrical wires.
Report
any downed power lines to your utility company.
- Do not handle electrical equipment in wet areas inside or outside of
a structure.
- Begin clean up measures as soon as possible to avoid health hazards.
- Do not consume food, water or medicine that has come into contact with
flood waters.
- Find out how to repair any property damages that may have occurred. See for example
the American Red Cross publication entitled "Repairing Your Flooded Home" for a good
step-by-step process to get started with flood repairs. |
