Flood Watch
Before the Flood
Prepare for high water if you live in flood-prone area by:
- Know your evacuation route.
- Move livestock and equipment to higher ground.
- Move furniture and belongings to the upper floors.
- Keep your automobile fueled - gas pumps will be inaccessible or probably loser power.
- Secure or tie-down outside possessions.
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs and other containers. (1 gallon per day per person.)
- Keep a stock of food that requires little or no cooking or refrigeration; electric power may be disrupted.
- Keep first aid supplies on hand.
- Keep a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, a battery-powered portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order.
- Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent floodwater from back up into the drains of your home.
- Disconnect electrical appliances or equipment that can't be moved.
- Keep materials like sandbags, plastic sheeting, plywood, and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
During the Flood
- If there have been evacuation orders - do so immediately.
- Move to a safe area or a Red Cross shelter before access is cut off by floodwaters.
- Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other radio stations.
- Avoid areas subject to flooding.
- Don't walk through or drive in water that is above your ankles. Stop! Turn around and go the other way. Don't drive over a flooded road when you don't know the depth of the water. It could be washed out under the water.
- Abandon a stalled vehicle in floodwaters if you can do so safely.
After the Flood
- If fresh food has come in contact with floodwaters, throw it out.
- Boil drinking water before using it. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call the public or environmental health office.
- Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter, and first aid are available from the Red Cross.
- Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
- Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches, or matches, to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
- Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
- Keep tuned to the radio or Television for advice and instructions.
- Notify your insurance agent if your property was damaged.