Flood Tips and Information

Are You Ready for a Flood or a Flash Flood?

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 or emergency management office.
• 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 and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person (one gallon of water per person for at least 3 days; often more is needed).
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• 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.

This Homepage was prepared by Kenneth F. Hambrick, Polk County Coordinator. Contact at E-Mail address: webmaster@pcoem.org  for additional information about our program. The information contained in this Homepage is considered public domain and the Office of Emergency Management encourages interested persons to utilize any portions of it that might be of educational benefit or enhance their local programs.

Back to HomePage