During A Flood
Floods |
Get a Flood Kit |
Make a Plan |
Prepare |
During the Flood |
After the Flood
During a Flood
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or television for information.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
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.
Surviving A Flash Flood
Flash floods are sudden and often occur with little or no warning. If you suspect a flash flood is about to happen immediately seek higher ground.
Remember, it does not have to be raining for a flash flood to occur. Some of the most dangerous floods originate many miles away.
Surviving A Flood
- If you are on foot, don't attempt to walk through flood waters. Instead seek higher ground.
- Keep children and pets away from flood waters, storm drains and sewers
- If you are in a car, drive away from flooded areas. Do not attempt to drive through flood waters
- If your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground.
If No Evacuation Has Been Ordered
- Collect your Family Emergency Supplies Kit plus extra blankets and sleeping bags and keep them with you.
- Call your emergency contact person to report your plans.
- Keep children and pets indoors.
- Make sure you have cash and your car has a full tank of gas in case you must evacuate.
- Make sure battery-powered radio is nearby.
If Evacuation Is Advised
- Turn off all utilities (water, electricity, and gas).
- Pack your Family Emergency Supplies Kit plus extra blankets and sleeping bags.
- Lock the windows and doors of your home before leaving.
- Tune your car radio to a news station to hear updates on evacuation routes.
- Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes. Your favorite shortcuts may already be blocked by flood waters.
Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location