Flood Preparedness:
Most flash flooding is caused by slow moving thunderstorms. Thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area, or heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Plan ahead: Know where to go if you are told to evacuate your home. If it is possible, choose several places, i.e. a friends home a motel, in another town, or a designated shelter. Always remember to GO TO HIGHER GROUND!
Know your area's flood risk: For information call your local chapter of the Red Cross chapter, your local National Weather Service, or your local Emergency Management Agency. Keep those numbers handy for any emergency.
NOTE: Even 6 inches of fast moving flood water can knock you off of your feet. A depth of 2 feet will cause your car to float. Leaving you with no control. NEVER try to walk, swim or drive through such fast moving water. If you come across flood waters STOP! Turn around and go in the opposite direction.
Flash flooding occurs within 6 hours of the rain event. Flooding is a longer term event and could last a week or more.
Before the floods hit:
¨ Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage. Do your local streams or rivers flood easily? ¨ Keep your car fueled. If your power is cut off, you may need the car for heat or retreat. ¨ Store drinking water in a clean bath tub, and in several other containers. Your water service could be shut off, or compromised. ¨ Keep a stock of food that requires little or no cooking and no refrigeration. In case your power is disrupted. ¨ Keep first aid supplies on hand at all times. ¨ Keep a weather radio, transistor radio, fresh batteries, emergency cooking equipment ( a camping stove), and flashlights, all in working condition. Check them on the first of every month to be sure they will work when you need them. ¨ Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent the flood waters from backing up into the drains in your home.
