Floods

Floods: Know Your Risks and Be Prepared

Flooding is the most common and often the most destructive type of natural disaster. A flood can occur in any state and affect virtually any property. Although floods are often associated with overflowing rivers and sea swells accompanying tropical storms, they can happen in areas far removed from a body of water. Cities, for example, can become flooded during periods of heavy rain. As little as one inch of standing water can cause serious property damage. It is therefore prudent to include flooding as part of every disaster preparedness plan.

Preparing for a Flood:

• Review property insurance policies as many do not include coverage for floods.
• Call your local emergency management office, building department or floodplain management office for information about your community’s flood risk.
• Become familiar with your community’s flood and evacuation plans.
• Raise furnaces, water heaters and electrical components above the base flood elevation level.
• Install a sump pump system.
• Install back-flow valves or standpipes on sewer lines to prevent water from backing up into the home.
• Seal basement walls to prevent seepage.

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• If time permits, move furniture and other items to upper floors.
• Be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so.
• In the case of flash flooding, do not wait for instructions. Move immediately to higher ground.
• Be prepared to turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
• Do not move through moving water if at all possible. Use a stick to insure the ground is firm.
• Do not drive in flooded areas. Vehicles can quickly be swept away.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Return home only when authorities indicate that it is safe.

Cleaning up after a flood:

• Avoid contact with flood waters as they may be contaminated with oil or raw sewage.
• Be careful around roadways and exercise caution when entering structures that have been weakened by flood waters.
• Service damaged sewage systems and septic tanks to prevent health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect anything that has come in contact with flood water.

How to be More Prepared:

Keep well provisioned survival kits in the home, office and vehicles.
A basic home survival kit should include:

• Energy bars or other food with a long shelf life (3-day supply).
• Water in containers with a long shelf life (3-day supply).
• Water purification tablets.
• First Aid kit.
• Battery operated radio and flashlight. Light sticks.
• Thermal blankets.
• Tissue packs.
• Dust masks.
• Sanitation bags.
• Vinyl gloves.

Optional Items include

• Emergency generator
• Pet survival kit