Flood Safety
Preparing for a Flood
- Make an itemized list of personal property well in advance of a flood occurring. Photograph the interior of your home. Store the list, photos, and documents in a safe place.
- Memorize the safest and fastest route to high ground.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:
- First aid kit
- Canned food and can opener
- Bottled water, extra clothing
- Rubber boots and gloves
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Battery-operated radio
- Emergency cooking equipment
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- If you live in a frequently flooded area, keep sandbags, plastic sheets and lumber on hand to protect property
- Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into drains of your home.
- Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and other waterways, and plan what you will do and where you will go in a flood emergency.
When a Flood Threatens
- If forced to leave your property and time permits, move essential items to safe ground, fill tanks to keep them from floating away, and grease immoveable machinery.
- Store a supply of drinking water in clean bathtubs and in large containers.
- Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, floodplains, etc.
During a Flood
- Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
- Even 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet, and a depth of 2 feet will float your car! Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water.
- Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Stop! Turn around and go another way.
- Keep children from playing in floodwaters or near culverts and storm drains.
After a Flood
- Boil drinking water before using. If fresh food has come into contact with floodwaters, throw it out.
- Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter and first aid are available at Red Cross shelters.
- Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches, to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
- Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.