Flood Awareness
FLOOD CHECKLIST
Before a Flood – Preparation When a flood watch is issued take the following steps to ensure you will ready to evacuate should the condition escalate.
- Learn
flood-warning signs and your community alert signals.
- If you
live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials.
These include: plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, hammer and saw, pry
bar, shovels, and sandbags.
- Have
check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from
backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers
to plug showers, tubs, or basins.
- Fill
the gas tank in your vehicle and map out a route to higher ground. Try to
avoid routes that cross-streams.
- Stock
your vehicle with supplies, include: non-perishable food, water, first aid
kit, flashlights, blankets, dry clothing, large trash bags, battery operated
radio and extra batteries. Don't forget special needs items such as medications,
and special dietary foods.
- Fill
your bathtub(s) and sink(s) with water to be used for drinking, water and
other utilities may fail.
- Develop
your out-of-area phone contact. After a disaster it is often easier to call
long distance. Make sure all family members know the phone number of your
out-of-area contact person.
- Teach
family members how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
- Ask
your insurance agent about the National Flood Program. Remember, homeowner's
policies do not cover flood damage.
- Turn
on your NOAA Weather Radio and listen for weather updates and information.