Have a specified person to communicate all status updates during a potential flood
Choose a safe location for your family to meet up at after evacuating.
Pack Neccesities in Advance
Have enough food and water for at least 3 days
Prepare for possible interruption of water service and/or none to little refridgeration/cooking
Have batteries, blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a battery operated radio at minimum
Prepare your Home
Use sandbags or other available items to protect your home from flood waters
Have a professional install check valves and mark your electric circuit breakers or fuses in all parts of your home
Make sure all your devices and batteries are charged
Contract your homeowners insurance to ensure you have flood insurance
Must be bought before threat of a flood otherwise companies stop issuing policies
Can take up to 30 days for the purchase to go into effect
During a Flood
Stay Informed
Listen to the radio and if possible check the internet and/or social media for updates
Get to Higher Ground
If you are in a flood prone area or in a low lying area, get to higher ground immediately
Follow Evacuation Orders
Immediately evacuate if told to do so
If you have time, unplug appliance and utilities before locking your home
Avoid Safety Hazards
Don't go into a room where water reaches the height of an electrical outlet
Don't go in any water if you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises
Don't walk through moving water (only takes 6 inches deep to potentially knock you off your feet
If trapped in moving water, move to the highest point and call 911
Water can be deeper than it appears to be and hide dangerous objects like: washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, sharp objects, and other hazardous possiblities
Don't drive on flooded roads or around barricades
After a Flood
Stay Informed
Listen to local news for updates
Road condition updates
When water will be safe to use
Have a professional check your house for carbon monoxide poisoning
Avoid Hazardous and Closed-Off Areas
Avoid flood waters
Avoid disaster areas
Could be actively dangerous and may impede in rescue
Heed road closed and cautionary signs for safety
Wait for All Clear
Don't enter any building without the all clear by authorities
Contact Family and Friends
Tell others you are safe so they can spread the good news