Things to Know About Floods

With the constant changing weather and the huge snowfall this year, our area may sustain minimal to large scale flooding.  It is not known yet if or when it will happen but, it's always good to have the facts and be prepared before it happens.

Flood/Flash Flood Watch—Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area.

Flood/Flash Flood Warning—Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Things to do if flooding is about to occur in your area:

1. Listen to local TV or radio stations for updates on watches and/or warnings from the NWS (National Weather Service).

2. Be prepared to evacuate the area at a moment's notice.

3. If flooding is emminent in your area or you are told to evacuate, head for higher ground and stay there.

4. If you come across running flood water that is deeper than your ankles, DO NOT ATTEMPT to cross the water.  6 inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off your feet.  Try an alternate route.

5. If you come across running flood water while driving, IMMEDATLEY use another route.  Cars can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water.  If you are caught in your car in running flood water, safely exit your vehicle and move to higher ground.  Do not attempt to drive any further as you could be swept downstream further and be put in further danger.

6. Keep children out of running or standing floodwater.  This water could be contaminated.

7. Be alert at night.  Flood or running water is hard to spot at night.

8. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.  See your insurance agent about purchasing special flood coverage.  More information about flood coverage is available at www.fema.gov/business/nfip.

Supplies to keep on hand before and during a flood.

Water- a three day supply of 1 gallon per peson/per day.

Food- a three day supply of non-perishable, easily prepared food.

Flashlight

Radio (battery or hand crank powered if possible)

Extra Batteries

First Aid Kit

Medications- a 7 day supply of all daily medications for each person who needs them, along with any other medical related items such as hearing aids, insulin pump supplies, medication pump supplies, etc.

Multipurpose or Leatherman tool

Camp Shovel

Sanitation and Personal Hygiene Items

Copies of personal documents (medical records, dental records, deeds, leases, insurance policies, birth certificates).

Cell Phones with Chargers (and vehicle charger if available).

Family and Emergency Contact Numbers

Extra Cash (paper money, coins. ATM/Debit cards are not accepted everywhere, espically during an emergency.)

Extra Blankets

Map(s) of the area (GPS Sattelites may be out of service or out of range).

Baby Supplies (diapers, formula, bottles).

Pet Supplies (collars, leashes, ID Tags, Immunization Records)

Tools for securing your home

Extra Car/Vehicle keys (quads, snowmobiles, motorcycles, garden/farm tractors)

Extra House Keys

Extra clothing for each member, a hat and sturdy shoes.

Rain Gear

Insect Repellant

Cameras (preferrably the disposable kind) for photos of the damage.

After a flood and the water has receded: 

 Only return to your home after officials have declared your area safe.

Before entering your property and on your way to your property be aware of downed power lines and ruptured natural gas lines.

Inspect the outside of your home for safety.  The foundation may be cracked causing your home to be unstable, walls may have fallen in, causing your home to be unsable.  Do not enter your home if you feel it is unsafe to do so.

Porch roofs and overhangs may have collapsed. Roof's may have collapsed as well.  These also cause structural safety issues.  If you find any of these conditions do not enter your home.

Look out for wild animals, aquatic life, and snakes that may have been washed into your area or home by flood waters.

If you smell natrual gas or propane in or around your home, or hear a hissing sound, immedatley exit the area and phone 911 or contact your local fire department.

If power lines are down, avoid puddles or water near them.

Again, keep children and pets away from flood waters that remain (this includes puddles and streams) as they may be contaminated.

Before disposing of any hazardous material (paint, cleaners, batteries, contaminated fuel and fuel containers) contact your local waste disposal authority for assistance in getting rid of these items.

During cleanup, wear rubber (latex or nitrile) gloves and rubber boots to avoid contaminating yourself.

Use only potable water for cleaning dishes, preparing food, washing hands, taking baths, etc.  Do not use stream or excess flood water as it could be contaminated.

Contact your local or state public health authority for information about water contamination and/or ways to sanitize your water (boiling, chemical sanitization).

For more information go to: www.redcross.org

1.  Listen to local TV or radio stations for updates on watches and/or warnings from the NWS (National Weather Service).

2. Be prepared to evacuate your home or place you are currently at in a moments notice.