A Quick View of Flood Preparedness

Before

  1. Learn the fastest escape routes to higher ground from home, work, and school.
  2. Valuables
    1. Keep valuables and copies of important papers in plastic tubs, a safe-deposit box, or move them to a family member’s home in a safer location.
    2. Move valuables up to the next floor.
  3. Prepare inside your house.
    1. Install a slice valve to shutoff your entire house from the city sewage system, or purchase supplies to seal the drains in your house.
    2. Remove furnace motor control units.
    3. Remove water heater control and burner.
    4. Protect machinery with grease.
  4. Prepare outside your house.
    1. Attach extensions to down spouts to direct water.
    2. Secure outdoor objects.
    3. Board up windows, vents, and doors.
    4. Open basement windows to equalize water pressure on foundations and walls.
    5. Use polyethylene-covered planking on the outside of the foundation.
    6. Sandbag away from house walls.
  5. Prepare to evacuate.
    1. Fill your car with gas.
    2. Shut off the electricity, gas, and water main if instructed.
    3. Evacuate or go to the top floor. Bring a 72-hour kit and water with you.

During

  1. Listen to local radio or TV for information.
    A flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
    A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon.
  2. Stay away from natural streambeds. Beware of flash floods.
  3. If driving, do not cross where water is above the car axles. Drive slowly and use low gear.
  4. Watch for damaged roads, slides, and fallen wires.
  5. If the car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
  6. If walking, do not cross where water is above your knees.

After

  1. Wear heavy shoes and gloves.
  2. Do not step into water unless the electricity is turned off.
  3. Check for downed utility lines, structural damage, and chemical spills.
  4. Do not use an open flame in case of escaping gas.
  5. Watch for snakes.
  6. Do not eat or drink anything touched by floodwater.
  7. Have wells tested for contamination.

Download A Quick View of Flood Preparedness 2019Jan19