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Are You Ready for a Flood or
a Flash Flood?
Prolonged rainfall over several days can cause a river or stream to overflow
and flood the surrounding area. A flash flood from a broken dam or levee or
after intense rainfall of one inch (or more) per hour often catches people
unprepared.
Regardless, the rule for being safe is simple: head for the high ground and
stay away from the water. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water
produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can
do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through such swift water..
Still, you can take steps to prepare for these types of emergencies.
Here's what you can do to prepare for such emergencies.
Know what to expect.
Know your area's flood risk--- if unsure, call your local Red Cross Chapter.
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.
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 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:
First aid kit
Canned food and can opener
Bottled water
Rubber boots and rubber gloves
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
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.
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