Flood Preparedness Tips
1.) Listen to area radio and television stations and the weather updates for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information.
2.) Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice
3.) When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there
4.) Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet
5.) If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of your car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water
6.) Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water
7.) Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger
8.) Take pictures of your home before flooding hits. Make an inventory of household items you may need to claim for insurance purpose
1.) Water – at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
2.) Food – at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to prepare food
3.) Battery powered or hand-crank radio
4.) Extra batteries
5.) First aid kit
6.) Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
7.) Multi-purpose tool
8.) Sanitation and personal hygiene items
9.) Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
10.) Cell phone with chargers
11.) Family and emergency contact information
12.) Extra cash
13.) Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
14.) Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
15.) Tools and supplies for securing your home
16.) Extra set of car keys and house keys
17.) Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
18.) Rain gear
19.) Insect repellant and sunscreen
20.) Camera for photos of damage
1. Assume all water sources are unsafe until approved by Department of Health
2.) Use bottled water certified for sale, or water from a clean and certified tanker
3.) If your well and water lines has been covered over with floodwaters, it should be disinfected
4.) Follow local government unit in water usage restrictions to conserve water
5.) If you must use water of unknown quality, it should be disinfected
6.) Discard food without a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with floodwaters
7.) Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, goggles, and a facemask during cleanup
8.) Remove standing water. If there is fuel oil floating on top of the water in a flooded house, the oil should be cleaned up before the water is pumped out
9.) Remove wet materials
10.) Discard items soaked by sewage or floodwaters that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours
11.) Thoroughly wash walls, floors, closets, shelves, and non-porous house contents with household cleaners or soap and water. Disinfect with a solution of one cup bleach to five gallons water
12.) Carefully clean surfaces that come in contact with food and children’s play areas
13.) Replace disposable filters in your heating/cooling system and any wet fiberboard and insulation
14.) Clean and disinfect heating and air conditioning ducts that have been flooded
15.) Open windows and doors. If it is safe to use electricity, use fans and dehumidifiers during and after the use of cleaning and disinfecting products
16.) Wash hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected and cooled
17.) Don’t use flush toilets attached to septic tank that is covered with floodwaters
18.) Store garbage in watertight, rodent/insect-proof containers with tightfitting covers
19.) Pile garbage in a convenient location but not near your water tanks.
20.) Mold growth can become a problem if wet materials are not thoroughly dried or discarded quickly. Mold can be a trigger for people with allergies or asthma
