Floods

Floods occur regularly across the country, causing evacuations, widespread damage and even death.  Those living near waterways or other low-lying areas are most at risk, but anyone in a community susceptible to flooding can be affected.  Hazards range from potentially deadly flash flooding to water contamination due to broken gasoline or sewer lines.

FLOOD TERMS TO KNOW

• Flood Watch - Flooding is possible within 12 to 36 hours
• Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible and could occur without warning.  Prepare to move to higher ground if you are at risk.
• Flood Warning - Flooding is or soon will be occuring.  Evacuate immediately if advised.
• Flash Flood Warning - Flash flooding is occurring.  Move to higher ground at once if you are at risk.

BEFORE A FLOOD

• Consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.  Regular homeowners' insurance does not cover flood losses.
• Know how to get to higher ground from your home.
• Learn your community's flood evacuation routes.
• Ask local officials how you can protect your home.

PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY

• If your home is prone to flooding, move your furnace, water heater and electric panel to higher floors.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent water from backing up into your house.
• Waterproof your basement walls to stop seepage.
• Build barriers such as floodwalls or levees to keep out floodwater.
• Store insurance policies, deeds and other records in a safe-deposit box.

DURING A FLOOD

• Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates.
• Watch for flash flooding.  This can occur without rain clouds or rain in the immediate area.
• Avoid low-lying areas such as canyons and drainage channels.
• Never walk through moving water more than 6 inches deep.
• Do not drive through flooded areas.
• If your vehicle stalls in water, exit it and move to higher ground.
• Evacuate if instructed to by authorities, and return home only when they say it's safe.

DID YOU KNOW? 

Cars can be easily swept away in just 2 feet of moving water.

AFTER A FLOOD

• Be careful in areas where floodwaters have receded.
• Watch for download electrical lines and weakened roads and bridges.
• Stay out of flooded buildings.
• Use caution when entering damaged structures.  Their foundations may have weakened.
• Avoid coming into contact with floodwater- it may be contaminated.  Wash your hands if they get wet.
• Discard any food that has been in contact with floodwater.

 BEWARE OF LANDSLIDES

• Look for changes in the landscape, such as small slides; leaning trees, poles or fences; widening cracks in the driveway or street; or the ground bulging out at the base of a slope or hill.
• Be prepared to evacuate if you feel threatened.
• While driving, watch for signs like fallen rocks and mud in the roadway.  Embankments along roadslides can slide with little or no notice.
• Move quickly away from the path of the slide.
• If you cannot escape, curl into a ball and protect your head.