Flooding 

[ Facts | Preparation | Watch/Warning | What To Do ]

Flood Facts

Floods and flash floods have caused billions of dollars in damage in recent years. They are among the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Even more significantly, they're the number one weather-related killer. Since 1900, floods have taken more than 10,000 lives in the United States alone. A flood can happen anywhere: along the Mississippi, in New England, or even in the desert.

• 80% of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single fatal mistake - trying to navigate through flood waters.
• Just 6 inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down.
• A mere 2 feet of water can float a large vehicle - even a bus.
• One-third of flooded roads and bridges are so damaged by water that any vehicle trying to cross stands only a 50% chance of making it to the other side.

Flooding signs

• Unusually hard rain over several hours or steady substantial rain over several days.
• Rains in conjunction with a spring thaw.
• A hurricane or tropical system affecting your area.
• Water rising rapidly in streams and rivers.

Preparation

Determine your flood insurance eligibility

Damage caused by floods and high wind peril are often not covered in regular homeowners insurance. Contact your insurance agent to find out more.

Inventory your property

In case of tornado, flooding or other disaster, this inventory will be invaluable to you in settling your insurance claim. Make sure you keep your inventory in a safe place, like a bank safe deposit box.

Make home improvements to reduce loss

Consider installing check valves in your plumbing to prevent flood water back-up. Consider moving your appliances to higher floors to prevent costly repairs or replacements.

Develop a Family Disaster Plan

A Family Disaster Plan Checklist is included on this page.

Learn how your community handles emergencies

Contact your local Emergency Management Agency.

Watches / Warnings

 
Flood Watch

High flow or overflow of water from a river is possible in the given time period.

Flood Warning

Flooding conditions are actually occurring or are imminent in the warning area.

Flash Flood Watch

Flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area. Flash Flood Watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy rains ended.

Flash Flood Warning

Flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent in the warning area. A warning can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or snow thaw.

Warning! What To Do

Before the flood

• Bring in any outdoor items that might cause damage or be lost if flooded. Do not walk into flood waters to retrieve them.
• Place all valuables and records in a waterproof container, and store on the highest floor of your home or the safest area.
• For sanitary use, in case water supply becomes contaminated, thoroughly clean bathtubs with bleach and fill with water.
• If you are not at home, go to high ground and wait.

If not ordered to evacuate

Collect your Family Disaster Supplies Kit , blankets and sleeping bags, and keep them with you.

Make sure you have cash and your car has a full tank of gas in case you must evacuate.

Call your family's emergency contact person to report your plans.

Keep children and pets indoors.

If ordered to evacuate

Turn off water and electric utilities.

Pack your Family Disaster Supplies Kit , blankets and sleeping bags.

Lock windows and doors before leaving home.

Tune your car radio to a news station for updates on evacuation routes.

During a flood

If on foot, do not attempt to walk through flood waters. Instead, turn around and go directly to higher ground.

Make sure to keep children and pets away from flood waters, storm drains, and sewers.

If you are in a vehicle, never try to take a shortcut through flooded areas.

If your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground.

Family Disaster Plan

Family Disaster Preparedness

• Decide where to go if at home, school, work, outdoors, or in a car when a tornado or flood warning is issued.
• Update these plans every school year and as places of employment and residence change.

Family Disaster Communication

• Designate a friend or relative outside your town as your contact in the event you are separated from family members during a tornado or flood.
• Agree upon a place where family members can meet if separated.

Family Disaster Supplies Kit

Essentials:

• Battery-operated radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Water
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• First Aid kit (one for your home and one for each car)
• Prescription and non-prescription drugs
• Tools and supplies (paper cups, utility knife, hammer, matches, etc.)
• Supplies to maintain sanitation (toilet paper, paper towels, household chlorine bleach)
• Clothing and bedding
• Necessities for baby
• Necessities for pet
• Important family documents
• Entertainment (games and books)

Non-perishable contents should be changed or replaced every six months.
 

Family Pet Care

• Keep in mind that most shelters do not accept pets.
• Contact your local Emergency Management agency for information on how to care for your pet during a weather emergency.