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Know What to Expect
- Know your area's
flood risk--if unsure, call your
local Red Cross chapter, emergency management
office, or planning and zoning department.
- 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 TV stations for flood
information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage
By . . .
- Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric
panel if they are in areas of your home that may be
flooded.
- Consult with a professional for further
information if this and other damage reduction
measures can be taken.
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.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
- Check to see if you have insurance that 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 . . .
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or
sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra
batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled
family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off
electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you
to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to
turn them back on.)
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate.
Choose several places . . . a friend's home in
another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher
floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation
notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for
information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so
as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready
to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
- 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.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional
Materials in English and Spanish:
Materials for Children
-
"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book"
(PDF File)
(ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S,
Spanish (PDF
File) for use by children 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024)
video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with
children in grades 4-6.
- "After the Flood" Coloring Book (ARC 2204,
English, or ARC 2204S, Spanish)
And remember...when a flood,
earthquake, tornado, fire, or other emergency happens in
your community, you can count on your local
American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you
and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government
agency and depends on contributions of your time, money,
and blood. For more information, please contact your
local
American Red Cross chapter or emergency management
office.
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