Know what to expect
Know your area’s flood risk—if unsure, call your local Red Crosschapter, emergency managementoffice, or planning and zoningdepartment.
If it has been raining hard forseveral hours, or steadily rainingfor several days, be alert to thepossibility of a flood.
Listen to local radio or TV stationsfor flood information.
Reduce potential flooddamage by—
Raising your furnace, waterheater, and electric panel if theyare in areas of your home thatmay be flooded.
Consult with a professional forfurther information if this andother damage reduction measurescan be taken.
Floods can take several hoursto days to develop—
A flood WATCH means a flood ispossible in your area.
A flood WARNING means floodingis already occurring or will occursoon in your area.
Flash floods can take only afew minutes to a few hoursto develop—
A flash flood WATCH means flashflooding is possible in your area.
A flash flood WARNING means aflash flood is occurring or willoccur
very
soon.
When a flood WARNING isissued—
Listen to local radio and TVstations for information andadvice. If told to evacuate, doso as soon as possible.
When a flash flood WATCHis issued—
Be alert to signs of flash floodingand be ready to evacuate on amoment’s notice.
When a flash flood WARNINGis issued—
Or if you think it has alreadystarted, evacuate immediately.You may have only seconds toescape. Act quickly!
Move to higher ground away fromrivers, streams, creeks, and stormdrains. Do not drive around barri-cades . . . they are there for yoursafety.
If your car stalls in rapidly risingwaters, abandon it immediatelyand climb to higher ground.
Your local contact is:
Are You Ready for a Flood or a Flash Flood?
Here’s what you can do to prepare for such emergencies
F l o o d
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
Check to see if you have insurancethat covers flooding. If not, findout how to get flood insurance.
Keep insurance policies, documents,and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble aDisaster SuppliesKit containing—
First aid kit and essentialmedications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of waterper person.
Protective clothing, rainwear,and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight,and extra batteries.
Special items for infant, elderly,or disabled family members.
Written instructions for howto turn off electricity, gas, andwater if authorities advise youto do so. (Remember, you’ll needa professional to turn naturalgas service back on.)
Identify where you could goif told to evacuate.Chooseseveral places ...a friend’shome in another town,amotel,or a shelter.When a flood WATCH isissued—
Move your furniture and valuablesto higher floors of your home.
Fill your car’s gas tank, in casean evacuation notice is issued.
Stock Number NOAA PA 92059orARC 4458Rev. Aug. 1998
Leave a Comment