DEMA - Floods

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.

Flood Facts

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

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.

Last Updated: Thursday, 22-Mar-2007 09:59:04 EDT