Some floods can be the result of heavy rainfall that occurs over a period of several days. Other floods, called flash floods, can occur suddenly or with little warning along a stream, dry river bed or low-lying area.

Whatever the cause, millions of people are affected by flooding each year and you may be at risk even if you don't live in a low-lying area or near a river or stream.

BEFORE A FLOOD threatens your area it is recommended that you take the following precautions:

Know the meaning of weather watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service:

• Flood Watch
  • Informs the public and cooperating agencies that current and developing conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent.
• Flood Warning
  • Informs the public and cooperating agencies that flooding along larger streams in which there is a serious threat to life or property. A flood warning will usually contain river stage (level) forecasts.
• Flash Flood Watch
  • Informs the public and cooperating agencies that conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area, but the occurrence is neither certain or imminent.
• Flash Flood Warning
  • Informs the public and cooperating agencies that flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely.

Protect Your Family

• Become familiar with your local disaster plans
• Learn the locations of your local emergency shelters
• If you have a pet
  • Learn the guidelines for your community has for pets in emergency shelters
  • Make plans for sheltering your pet
• Know your community's evacuation routes and have plans in case you need to evacuate
• Assemble a disaster kit and keep it in a designated place
• For more information about planning for a flood visit the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm

Protect Your Property

• Purchase Flood Insurance
• Avoid building in a flood-prone area unless you properly elevate and reinforce your home
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage

IF A FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED for your area it is recommended that you:

• Listen to the radio or television to obtain important emergency information for your area
• Follow the advice and instructions of your local officials

IF A FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED for your area it is recommended that you:

• Evacuate, if advised to, and do so immediately
• Follow the advice and instructions of your local officials
• Listen to the radio or television to obtain important emergency information for your area

IF A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS ISSUED for your area it is recommended that you:

• Be prepared to move to higher ground
• Listen to the radio or television to obtain important emergency information for your area
• Follow the advice and instructions of your local officials

IF A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED for your area it is recommended that you:

• Seek higher ground immediately
• Follow the advice and instructions of your local officials

DURING A FLOOD it is recommended that you:

• Listen to the local radio or television for information
• Follow the instructions of your local emergency management authorities
• Evacuate if you are instructed/directed by local authorities to do so
• If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture
• Move essential items to an upper floor
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so
• Disconnect electrical appliances; DO NOT touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas
  • If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups
• For more information about what to do in the event of a flood visit the FEMA website at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm

AFTER A FLOOD it is recommended that you:

• Follow the advice and instructions of your local authorities
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company. NEVER touch a downed wire, even If you think the power is off.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe
• Stay out of any building surrounded by floodwaters
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• For more information on what to do after a flood visit the FEMA website at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/coping.shtm or the American Red Cross website at: http://newsroom.redcross.org/2009/05/16/handout-flood-safety-checklist/