FLOOD

Floods can occur in every state of the country.  Flooding is the most common of all of the natural disasters and floods can affect you, even if your home is on high ground and not in a floodplain.  You and your family could, easily, be cut off from vital services or separated from each other by flood waters. 

Floods come in many different forms.  Some develop rapidly, while others can take hours or even days to develop.  Flash floods can develop in minutes, even if there is no sign of rain.  They can produce a wall of debris and water that is devastating to everything in its path.

2.    Expect and prepare for the following, even if your home is not threatened:

o    Isolation: It is possible that floodwaters will prevent you from leaving your area or from others reaching you.

o    Power Outage:  Electric power can be interrupted because of floodwaters that are nowhere near your home. 

o   An interruption in your water supply:  Floodwaters routinely contaminate or interfere with local water supplies.  If you have a water well, it will probably be contaminated.  Do not use well water until it has been tested.

o   Your sewer system may back up:   Drainage and sewer city sewer systems may become over-taxed and stop working.  If you have a septic system, it will likely stop working.  Flooded septic systems will also contaminate the flood waters and increase the risk of disease.

o    Be sure that you have a ladder that can reach your roof.   

3.    In the event of a potential flood, immediately place your evacuation supplies in your vehicle so that they are ready in case you are forced to leave in a hurry. 

4.       If your home is threatened, move all essential items to an upper floor or otherwise safe place.

5.       If flood waters are approaching or you are forced to evacuate, turn off your utilities and disconnect your electric appliances.  Never touch electrical fixtures if you are wet or standing in water.

6.       If you have children in school, be sure that the school has an evacuation plan.  Make sure that your children cooperate with school officials and that you know the location of the evacuation site. 

7.       Make sure that all members of your group know the evacuation route and a meeting place if you should become separated.

8.     Turn on your radio to get up to date information. 

9.       If a flood does hit your area:

o    Stay away until all the water has receded, or the local authorities have allowed entry into the area.

o    Do not enter damaged buildings and stay clear of debris piles.  This is very dangerous, and the local authorities will have many emergencies to deal with; unnecessarily adding to their duties would not be responsible. 

o    Do not drink from the local water supply until it is determined that it is not contaminated. 

o    Cooperate with the local emergency services authorities.

o    Listen to your radio for emergency shelter sites.

o    If you are trapped and the floodwaters are rising, go to your roof.  Take your evacuation supplies and wait for help.  Don’t try to walk or swim through floodwaters. 

10.     Do not attempt to walk through flowing water.  Six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet.  If you must walk through water, walk only where the water is not moving and probe the area with a stick or pole to ensure its depth and firmness.

11.      Do not drive through flooded areas.  Six inches of water may stall your vehicle and one foot of water will float many vehicles.  Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.

12.      Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded.  Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

13.      Be aware of downed power lines.  They could be active.  report downed power lines immediately.

14.      Repair damaged sewer systems as soon as possible.  They are a serious health hazard.

15.      Disinfect everything that got wet.  Floodwaters can contain sewage and harmful chemicals.