Floods

Flood Preparedness Plan

Know your area's flood risk

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

Listen to local radio, or television for flood information.

Floods can take several hours to days to develop.

A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.

A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.

A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance to see if it covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing.

Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places... a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.

Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

Fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation is issued.

Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate at a moments notice.

Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act Quickly!

Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades... they are there for your safety.

If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.