Preparing For A Flood

Before a Flood

  • Consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Regular homeowners' insurance does not cover flood losses.
  • Know how to get to higher ground from your home.
  • Learn your community's flood evacuation routes.
  • Ask local officials how you can protect your home

During a Flood

  • Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates.
  • Watch for flash flooding. This can occur without rain clouds or rain in the immediate area.
  • Avoid low-lying areas such as canyons and drainage channels.
  • Never walk through moving water more than 6 inches deep.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas.
  • If your vehicle stalls in water, exit it and move to higher ground.
  • Evacuate if instructed to by authorities, and return home only when they say it's safe.

After a Flood

  • Be careful in areas where floodwaters have receded.
  • Watch for downed electrical lines and weakened roads and bridges.
  • Stay out of flooded buildings.
  • Use caution when entering damaged structures. Their foundations may have weakened.
  • Avoid coming into contact with floodwater-it may be contaminated. Wash your hands if they get wet.
  • Discard any food that has been in contact with floodwater.

Beware of Landslides

  • Look for changes in the landscape, such as small slides; leaning trees, poles or fences; widening cracks in the driveway or street; or the ground bulging out at the base of a slope or hill.
  • Be prepared to evacuate if you feel threatened.
  • While driving, watch for signs like fallen rocks and mud in the roadway. Embankments along roadsides can slide with little or no notice.
  • Move quickly away from the path of the slide.
  • If you cannot escape, curl into a ball and protect your head.

Driving Flood Facts:

  • The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups.
  • BUILD A DISASTER RESISTANT NEIGHBORHOOD- Working with your neighbors implement disaster safety and preparedness into your neighborhood by becoming a Disaster Resistant Neighborhood.

This information is courtesy of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)