Flooding

Be Prepared – Steps to Take

Turn on your local TV station and/or radio and listen for weather alerts and updates.
Download a Weather App to receive the latest weather alerts and emergency instructions.
Know your surroundings and know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly to avoid being caught in a flood.
Grab your emergency kit.

Bring in outdoor furniture and secure outdoor garbage cans, grills, and other items that could become a hazard in floodwater.
Move important documentation and valuables to the highest level of your home and/or place important documents in ziplock bags or airtight containers. This will help protect them from flood damage.
Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
If instructed to do so, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
Prepare your pets and children for a potential evacuation. Pack/gather needed supplies and place them near the door in case you have to leave.

If there is a chance of flooding where you are, immediately move to higher ground. Flash floods are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the US.
Evacuate if directed to do so by officials. Take pets with you.
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. Take alternate routes that keep you out of the floodwater.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
Be aware of your surroundings. Look for downed power lines or underground utilities. Avoid standing in floodwater when underground power or downed power lines are present. You can be electrocuted.
If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

Flood Watch – “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.
Flood Warning – “Take Action!” Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

Last updated: 2/2/2021