Preparing for the chance of a flood can mean all
the difference in how much damage is caused when a flood actually occurs. It's less expensive to protect your home and property
before they are damaged than to repair them afterwards.
* Relocate the electrical box to an upper floor or elevate
the electrical box to 12 inches above the base flood elevation.
* Relocate the water heater and heating systems to
an upper floor where they will be 12 inches above the base flood elevation.
* The easiest way to stop sewer backup
is to plug the opening where the backup can first enter the house. Install a standpipe or a floating floor drain plug at the
lowest point of the lowest finished floor to allow water to drain. When the floor drainpipe backs up, the float rises and
plugs the drain. Installing an interior or exterior septic backflow valve will also prevent sewer back up from entering your
home. Visit your local home improvement store for more information
* Build a floodwall around basement windows to protect
the basement from low--level flooding.
Preparing for a Flood
Here are some basic steps to take to prepare for the
storm:
* Contact the local county geologist or county planning department to find out if your home is located in a
flash-flood-prone area or landslide-prone area.
* Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation
routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
* Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state
relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your
family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
* Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
*
Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
* Identify
potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical
power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuation. Turn off gas and water supplies before you
evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
* Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where
it is and how to use it.
* Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
* Have a licensed electrician raise electric
components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above your home's projected flood elevation.
*
For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
*
Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and
damage other houses.
If you are under a flood watch or warning:
* Gather the emergency supplies you previously
stocked in your home and stay tuned to local radio or television station for updates.
* Turn off all utilities at the main
power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
* Have your immunization records handy or be
aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you should receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during or after
the flood.
* Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using
bleach. Rinse and fill with clean water.
* Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside
or tie them down securely.
Emergency Supplies You Will Need
You should stock your home with supplies that may
be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:
* Several clean containers for
water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).
* A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable
food and a non-electric can opener.
* A first aid kit and manual and prescription medicines and special medical needs.
*
A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
* Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
* Water-purifying supplies,
such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
* Baby food and/or prepared formula,
diapers, and other baby supplies.
* Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case
bathing facilities are not available.
* Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
*
An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping
bags, etc.
* Rubber boots, sturdy shoes, and waterproof gloves.
* Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, screens,
or long-sleeved and long-legged clothing for protection from mosquitoes which may gather in pooled water remaining after the
flood. (More information about these and other recommended repellents can be found in the fact sheet Updated Information Regarding
Insect Repellents.)
Preparing to Evacuate
Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. When a flood watch
is issued, you should:
* Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and make sure the emergency kit for your car is ready.
*
If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
* Fill your clean water containers.
*
Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
* Tune in the radio or television for
weather updates.
* Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
* Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due
to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
* Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators
and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.
If You Are Ordered to Evacuate
You should never ignore an
evacuation order. Authorities will direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path
of the rising waters. If a flood warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:
*
Take only essential items with you.
* If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
* Disconnect appliances
to prevent electrical shock when power is restored.
* Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
*
Do not attempt to drive or walk across creeks or flooded roads.
If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate
To get through
the storm in the safest possible manner:
* Monitor the radio or television for weather updates.
* Prepare to evacuate
to a shelter or to a neighbor's home if your home is damaged, or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
