FLOODING

BE PREPARED:

Terms:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in your area. Monitor local media channels and listen to your NOAA weather radio.
Flash Flood: Rapid flooding, usually in low lying areas. Water floods with great force.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible in your area. Monitor local media channels and listen to your NOAA weather radio.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur in your area. Move to higher ground and listen to local media for evacuation orders.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground and listen to local media for evacuation orders.

Prepare:

• Create an emergency preparedness kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person.
• Scan and store important documents on an online, cloud-based program.
• Put important documents and valuables in a water-proof container on the top floor of your home.
• Understand how to safely turn off electricity and gas lines in your home.
• Create an inventory of your household items and take photos of the interior and exterior of your home.
• Consider installing sewer backflow valves to prevent flood water from backing up into your home through drain pipes.
• Double-check sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. If possible, have a battery backup system.
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Rise or flood-proof heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment by elevating equipment above areas prone to flooding. Another method is to leave equipment where it is and build a concrete or masonry block flood wall around it.
• Anchor fuel tanks. Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters.

Driving in Flood Conditions:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups trucks.
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious.
• The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
• Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
• Do not try to take short cuts--they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.
• Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Flood-Specific Items to Add to Preparedness Kit:

• Extra Bottled Water - Faucet water may be contaminated during flooding
• Map of Local Evacuation Routes

BE SAFE:

Signs:

• Heavy rainfall
• High river and lake levels
• Dams in the area

During:

• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Disconnect all electrical equipment.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches is enough water to knock you down.
• Do not drive in flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control and two feet of water can sweep away your car. Remember: Turn around, don't drown.
• Listen to local media reports for information about if the water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid contacting flood waters because they can be contaminated by hazardous liquids and may contain sharp debris.
• Report and stay 25 feet away from downed power lines.

After:

• Listen to local media reports for information about if the water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid flood waters because they can be contaminated by hazardous liquids and may contain sharp debris.
• Be aware of areas that were previously flooded. The roads may be weakened.
• Report and avoid downed power lines.

Clean and disinfect anything that was wet from the flood. Throw away any food that was touched by flood waters.
 

More Information/Additional Resources:

FEMA Floods: http://www.ready.gov/floods
FEMA Accessible: Lifesaving Safety Tips PSA (ASL Video)
FEMA CDC Accessible: Mold Safety After a Disaster (ASL Video)
FEMA CDC Accessible: Returning Home Safely After a Disaster (ASL Video)
FEMA Accessible: Flood Safety/Warning Tips and Vocabulary (ASL Video)
FEMA CDC Accessible: Flood Waters During and After a Disaster (ASL Video)
FEMA CDC Accessible: Shelters and Evacuations During a Disaster (ASL Video)
FEMA Accessible: Shelter in Place During a Disaster (ASL Video)
FEMA Poster: How to Prepare for a Flood (PDF)
 

LANDSLIDES

BE PREPARED:

Prepare:

• Do not build houses, buildings, parks, or playgrounds close to steep slopes.
• Have flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid breakage of gas and water lines.

BE SAFE:

Signs:

• Severe Storms and Tornadoes
• Fires
• Melting Snow
• If your house is suddenly modified with new cracks in the plaster or foundations, or windows and doors become jammed for the first time.
• Unusual sounds like trees cracking.

During:

• Listen to you NOAA Weather Radio or local news stations for evacuation orders and instructions.
• Evacuate your home as quickly as possible.
• Follow only designated evacuation routes.

After:

• Check on elderly who may not have been able to evacuate.
• Stay away from the area where the landslide occurred until local officials have designated the area as safe for return.
• Stay away from downed electrical lines, and damaged water, gas, and sewage lines.
   
  

  More Information/Additional Resources:

  http://www.ready.gov/landslides-debris-flow