Know What To Expect:
+ Know your area's flood risk--if unsure,
call your local Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.
+ If it has been raining hard for several
hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility
of a flood
Listen for Information:
+ A flood WATCH
means a flood is possible in your area.
+ A flood WARNING
means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit:
+First aid kit
and essential medications.
+Canned food
and can opener.
+At least three
gallons of water per person (one + gallon of water per person for at least
3 days; often more is needed).
+Protective clothing,
rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
+Battery-powered
radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
+Special items
for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
+Written instructions
for how to turn off gas and water if
authorities advise you to do so.
(Remember, you'll need a professional
to turn them back on.)
+Identify where
you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places...a friend's
home in another town, a motel, or a
shelter.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan:
+Check your homeowner's
or renter's insurance to see if it covers flooding. If not, find out how
to get flood insurance.
+Keep insurance
policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
What To Do When a Flood Watch Is Issued:
+Move your furniture
and valuables to higher floors of your home.
+Fill your car's
gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
What To Do When a Flood Warning Is Issued:
+Be alert to
signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
What To Do When a Flash Flood Watch Is Issued:
+Or if you think
it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds
to escape. Act quickly!
+Move to higher
ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive
around barricades...they are there for your safety.
+If your car
stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb
to higher ground.
More Information:
For More Information About Floods and Flood Safety, Your American
Red Cross Can Provide the Following Materials:
+Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash
Flood?" (ARC 4458)
+"Flash Floods and Floods . . . The
Awesome Power" (ARC 4493)
+"Safe Living in Your Manufactured
Home" (ARC 4465) gives fire, flood, and tornado safety information
for people who live in manufactured (mobile) homes.
