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.