AWARENESS FOR FLOOD

Before a Flood

To prepare for a flood, you should:
•Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
•Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
•Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the
drains of your home.
•Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers
(levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the
homes in your area.
•Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

During a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
•Listen to the radio or television for information.
•Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
•Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these are as with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain. If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
•Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
•Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
•Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
•Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around
your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

After a Flood
The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
•Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
•Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
•Avoid moving water.
•Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle
. •Stay away from downed power lines,
and report them to the power
company.
•Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
•Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
•Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
•Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
•Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Flood: Know Your Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:
•Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to Local Radio for Weather Services , commercial radio, or television for information.
•Flash Flood Watch:
Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to Local Radio for Weather Services, commercial radio, or television for information.
•Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
•Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on
foot immediately.