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Flood
Know What to Expect
Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your local Red Cross
chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
- If it has been raining hard for several
hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the
possibility of a flood.
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for
flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By
- Raising your furnace, water heater, and
electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be
flooded.
- Consult with a professional for further
information if this and other damage reduction measures can be
taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
- 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.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding
is possible in your area.
- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood
is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
- Check to see if you have insurance that
covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and
other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- 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
electricity, 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.
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.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . .
.
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for
information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as
possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued
. . .
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be
ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING 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.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in
English and Spanish:
- "Safe Living in Your Manufactured
Home" (ARC 4465) gives fire, flood, and tornado safety
information for people who live in manufactured (mobile) homes.
- "Are You Ready for a
Thunderstorm?" (ARC 5009)
- "Are You Ready for a Hurricane?"
(ARC 4454)
- "Are You Ready for a Tornado?"
(ARC 4457)
- "Avoiding Flood Damage" (ARC
1215)
- "Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC
4466)
- "Your Family Disaster Supplies
Kit"(ARC 4463)
- "Repairing Your Flooded Home"
(ARC 4477, English, ARC 4477S, Spanish). This is a 66-page book
designed for homeowners who may engage in flood clean-up and repair
of flood-damaged homes.
Materials for Children:
- "Disaster Preparedness Coloring
Book" (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish for use by
children 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster
Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an
adult with children in grades 4-6.
- "After the Flood" Coloring Book
(ARC 2204, English, or ARC 2204S, Spanish)
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