Flood

Buy a survival kit and store along with:

• Essential medication
• Sturdy shoes
• Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home utilities
• Conduct periodic drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a flood is approaching.

Know what to expect

• Know your area's flood risk - if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter.
• 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. 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 home Flood 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.

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.

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