Being Alert during Flood

Assemble disaster supplies:

• Drinking water – Fill clean containers.
• Food that requires no refrigeration or cooking.
• Cash.
• Medications and first aid supplies.
• Clothing, toiletries.
• Battery-powered radio.
• Flashlights.
• Extra batteries.
• Important documents: insurance papers, medical records, bank account numbers.

Be prepared to evacuate.

• Identify places to go.
• Identify alternative travel routes that are not prone to flooding.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• If told to leave, do so quickly.

Review your Family Disaster Plan.

• Discuss flood plans with your family.
• Decide where you will meet if separated.
• Designate a contact person who can be reached if family members get separated. Make sure every family member has the contact information.

Protect your property.

• Move valuables and furniture to higher levels.
• Move hazardous materials (such as paint, oil, pesticides, and cleaning supplies) to higher locations.
• Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.
• Bring outside possessions indoors or tie them down securely. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects.
• Seal vents to basements to prevent flooding.

Be alert.

• Monitor your surroundings.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, or go to www.weather.gov.

Don’t drive unless you have to. If you must drive, travel with care.

• Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel.
• Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sightsee.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue or other emergency operations and put you at further risk.
• Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and downed trees or power lines.
• Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• If the vehicle stalls, abandon it.
• If water rises around your car, leave the vehicle immediately. Climb to higher ground as quickly as possible.

NEVER drive through flooded roadways. STOP! Turn Around Don’t Drown.

• The roadbed may be washed out.
• You can lose control of your vehicle in only a few inches of water.
• Your car may float. Vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water.
• Do not drive around a barricade. Turn around and go another way!

Get to high ground – Climb to safety!

• Get out of low areas that may be subject to flooding.
• Avoid already-flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flowing water.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

Evacuate immediately, if you think you are at risk or are advised to do so!

• Act quickly. Save yourself, not your belongings.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by rising water.
• Families should use only one vehicle to avoid getting separated and reduce traffic jams.
• Shut off water, gas, and electrical services before leaving.
• Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.
• If directed to a specific location, go there.

Never try to walk or swim through flowing water.

• If flowing water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
• If it is moving swiftly, water 6 inches deep can knock you off your feet.
• Be aware that people have been swept away wading through flood waters.
• NEVER allow children to play around high water, storm drains, creeks, or rivers.

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