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What are the Safety Recommendations for a Flood





SandbagsBEFORE A FLOOD: 

  • Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Inquire with the local officials or your lodging managers where the nearby flood-prone or high-risk areas are.
  • Ask about official flood warning signals and what to do when you hear them.
  • If in an area prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate. Learn the area's flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground.
  • Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
  • Consider installing "check valves" to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • Use sandbags to reinforce your foundation and doors to keep floodwaters out of your home.
  • If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
  • Keep emergency numbers and important information handy, as well as emergency supplies, kits, and first aid items. Include water, canned food, can opener, battery-operated radio, flashlight, and protective clothing.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

flooded road DURING A FLOOD:

  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • If possible, turn off all electrical appliances, gas, heating, and utilities at the main switches or valves.
  • If evacuation is necessary, secure your home where possible. Bring in outdoor furniture, move essential items to an upper floor.
  • Listen to local radio or television stations for up-to-date information.
  • Avoid getting into floodwaters or fast-moving water.
  • Move to higher ground whenever possible.
  • Be aware of dangers such as chemicals, electrical shock, animals (alligators, snakes), and submerged objects which can impale or trap you.
  • If your home is flooding, move to higher floors and rooms. Do NOT go to the attic unless there are windows or doors which will allow you to escape to your roof.
  • If you go to your roof, take sheets or colored towels with you to signal
  • If floodwaters rise around your vehicle, abandon it, and move to higher You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.

Walking in a floodAFTER A FLOOD: 

  • Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
  • Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.