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Prepare for a possible flood with these helpful
tips. Remember, a watch means conditions could produce
a flood, while a warning means a flood is happening—take
action!
Before the Storm
When a Flash Flood Watch Is Issued
When a Flash Flood Warning Is Issued
When a Flood Watch Is Issued
When a Flood Warning Is Issued
After the Flood
About Flood Insurance
Before a Storm
- Know your elevation and how flood-prone your location is. Know your
area's flood risk. If unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency
management office or planning and zoning department.
- Stay tuned to your local news and weather for flash flood information.
- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. Homeowner
or renter's insurance policies typically do not include flood insurance.
- Keep copies of insurance policies, documents and other valuables in
a safe-deposit box.
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places-a
friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter (in the event some
of these are flooded).
- Have your Red
Cross disaster supply kit.
- Consult with a professional for further information on damage reduction
measures that can be taken.
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When a Flash Flood Watch Is Issued
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a
moment's notice.
- A flash flood WATCH means flooding is possible. Flash flooding can
take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.
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When a Flash Flood Warning Is
Issued
- Stay tuned to your local news and weather for flash flood information.
Flash flooding occurs during and within six hours of a rain event.
- A flash flood warning means flash flooding is occurring or will occur
very soon.
- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm
drains.
- Do not drive or walk through flood waters. As little as six inches
of water can knock you off your feet. Most vehicles float in less than
2 feet of water. The force of floodwaters can make opening car doors
impossible. Floodwaters may be deeper than they appear and the road
may be washed out beneath the rushing water.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Do not drive around barricades.
They are there for your safety. About half of all flash flood deaths
are auto related.
- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately
and climb to higher ground.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood
dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly
during threatening conditions.
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When a Flood Watch Is Issued
- Be ready to evacuate. A flood watch means flooding is possible. A
flood is a longer-term event and may last a week or more.
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
- Look for the warning signs of flooding such as rising water levels
in nearby creeks or streams.
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When a Flood Warning Is Issued
- Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. A flood
warning means flooding is occurring or will occur very soon.
- Stay tuned to local news and weather for advice.
- Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
- If you come upon a flooding stream where water is above your ankles,
stop! Turn around and go another way.
- Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. The depth of water is
not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water and
you could be stranded or trapped.
- Children should never play around high water,
storm drains, viaducts or arroyos.
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After the Flood
- If evacuated, do not return home until allowed to do so.
- Thoroughly inspect flood -damaged dwellings before reentering.
- Take pictures or video for insurance claims.
- If food, including canned goods, has come in contact with flood waters,
throw it out.
- Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the
water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local
public health authority.
- Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing,
shelter and first aid are available from the Red Cross.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned
to service.
- Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches, to examine buildings.
Flammables may be inside.
- Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. area of the
WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
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About Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, makes
flood insurance available to county residents. For a homeowner, flood insurance
covers structure and content losses that occur from flooding. For a renter,
it covers contents. Remember that flood insurance is not included on your
standard homeowner's or renter's policy. You must purchase it separately,
but the cost usually averages just a few hundred dollars per year. It is
sold through private insurance companies and is financially backed by the
federal government. You can learn more about the NFIP
by visiting their website or by contacting your insurance agent.
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