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Flooding
   
BEFORE A FLOOD
Know the terms used to describe flood threats:
Flood Watch -- Flooding or flash flooding is possible. Be
prepared to move to higher ground. Listen to NOAA Weather
Radio, commercial radio or commercial 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 or is imminent.
Move to higher ground immediately. Flash floods develop MUCH
quicker
than river floods.
Flood
Statement --
Minor
flooding of creeks and streams, streets, low-lying
areas or basement flooding is occurring or is imminent.
Learn flood warning signs and, if used in your area, any community alert
signals.
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.
Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood
waters from backing up
in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers
to plug showers, tubs or basins.
Consider measures for flood proofing your home. Call your local building
department
or emergency management agency (EMA) for information.
Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under
homeowners
insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in most
communities through the National
Flood Insurance Program. There is usually a period before it
takes effect, so don't delay.
Flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out
of the identified flood-prone
area. Call your insurance company for more information.
Insure your property and possessions. Make an inventory of your
possessions using
paper lists, photographs and/or videotapes of your belongings.
Leave a copy with your
insurance company. Update your inventory and review your
coverage with your
insurance company periodically.
Keep all of your important records and documents in a safe-deposit box or
another safe
place away from the premises.
Maintain a disaster supply kit.
DURING A FLOOD
Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.
Move valuable household possessions to the upper floor or move to another
location if
flooding is imminent and time permits.
If instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off utilities at their
source.
Listen to a battery-operated radio for evacuation instructions.
If advised to evacuate, do so quickly.
Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too deep
for ordinary
vehicles to drive through.
Follow recommended evacuation routes. Short cuts may be blocked.
People lose their lives by attempting to drive over a flooded roadway. The
speed and
depth of the water is not always obvious. There may be a hidden
portion of the roadway
washed out under the water. Two feet of water will carry away
most automobiles.
AFTER
A FLOOD
Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen
to a radio or television
and don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to
do so.
When you are allowed to return, remember to help your neighbors
who may require special
assistance.
Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
Look for fire hazards.
If your home was damaged, check the utilities.
Stay out of buildings that remain in the floodwaters.
Avoid coming in contact with floodwaters. The water may be contaminated
with oil,
gasoline or raw sewage.
Do not wade through a flooded stream to protect or retrieve belongings.
Consider your family's health and safety. Wash your hands frequently with
soap and
clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters. Listen for
news reports to learn
whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
Throw away food -- including canned goods -- that has come in contact with
floodwaters.
Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per
day) to avoid
structural damage.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon
as possible.
Damaged sewer systems pose a health hazard.
Stay alert for areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have
weakened and could
collapse under the weight of a vehicle.
Do not let children play in or near floodwaters, flooded creeks or flood
retention ponds.
Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to the utility company
immediately.
If unaffected by the flood, stay out of the area until allowed to enter by
officials. Your
presence may hamper emergency operations.
Monitor the radio for special information about where to go to get
assistance for housing,
clothing and food. Other programs are available to help you cope
with the stress of the situation.
Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home and your belongings.
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