Emergency Checklist - Flood
How can I prepare for a Flood?
Floods:
The natural disaster most common in the United States is flooding. Though flooding occurs in every U.S. state and territory, all floods are not alike. Some develop slowly over an extended period of rain, and some in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, without visible signs of rain. It is important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams or dry creek beds can overflow and create flooding.
How can you be prepared?
Step 1: Get a Kit
4URSURVIVAL offers complete survival and 72 hour kits, designed and assembled according to guidelines given by government agencies and non-profit preparedness organizations. These kits include items such as:
•non-perishable food
•water
•a battery-powered radio
•flashlight and batteries
•first-aid kit
•blankets
•matches
•and much more
4URSURVIVAL also offers smaller portable kits with similar items that you should keep in your car.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Make a family emergency plan. Disaster can strike at any time, and the family may not be together, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
•Plan where your family will meet, both within and outside of your neighborhood
•Be sure that every family member knows what to do in different types of emergencies
•Be sure to consider the specific needs of each individual family member
Inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time such as work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.
Step 3: Be Informed
Familiarize yourself with these terms in order to identify a flood hazard:
•A Flood Watch means that flooding is possible. Tune in to ‘National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio’, commercial radio, or television for information
•A Flash Flood Watch means that flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
•A Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
•A Flash Flood Warning means that a flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.
Prepare Your Home
•Find out if your home is at risk for flood. Visit Floodsmart.
•Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
•Install "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
•Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
•Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage.
Listen to Local Officials
•Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
•For additional information on how to plan and prepare for floods, as well as what to do during and after a flood, visit the following:
◦Federal Emergency Management Agency
◦NOAA Watch
◦American Red Cross
◦U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control