To better protect your home or business from possible flooding, the following tips are suggested...

• Investigate the flooding history of the neighborhood to determine if your property is above or below the flood stage water level.
• Familiarize yourself with flood warning signs and community alert signals.
• Stockpile emergency building materials (plastic sheeting, lumber nails, plywood, tools, pry bar, shovels, sandbags, etc.) if you are located in a flood prone area.
• Install back-flow check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood water back up.
• Take interior and exterior photos (and date) of buildings and contents for insurance purposes.
• Plan an evacuation route that avoids areas that might be prone to flooding. Anticipate heavy traffic.
• Keep disaster supplies available and on hand
• Flashlights
• Portable battery-operated radio (extra batteries)
• First aid kit, basic medicines, etc.
• Bottled water & non-perishable food
• Non-electric can opener
• Night flares
• Develop a plan for getting back together if the family becomes separated. (Ask someone out-of-state to serve as a family contact since it is usually easier to call long distance during a local crisis. Be sure that everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.)
• Show all family members how to turn off electricity, water, and gas.
• Homeowners policies do not cover flood related damage.
Find out about flood insurance from your insurance agent

IF YOU HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF A FLOOD WATCH….

• Follow local radio and TV news for storm information.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in the event the water becomes contaminated.
• Secure/remove outdoor belongings, patio furniture, pets, etc.
• Store/move valuable possessions to upper floors or to safer ground.
• In the event an evacuation order is issued, turn off all utilities from the main switch and shut off the gas main.

IF FLOODING IS EMINENT…

• Tune in a battery-operated radio or TV to follow emergency information.
• Prepare emergency supplies.
• Review contingency plans and how to re-establish contact.
• Prepare to evacuate.

• Leave home early enough to avoid heavy traffic and/or becoming marooned from flooded roads.
• Climb to the highest ground and stay there in the event you become entrapped by a flood.
• Never walk through floodwaters. Swiftly moving water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Never drive your car through a flooded area. If your car stalls, leave it immediately seeking higher ground. Attempting to save a stalled vehicle can result in death.

WHEN THE FLOOD IS OVER…

• Don’t return home until authorities indicate conditions are safe. Flooding dangers do not end when the water begins to recede.
• Before entering, inspect foundations for cracks and to ensure that the home is safe and not in danger of collapse.
• Inspect for damaged septic tanks and leaching systems, cesspools, or pits immediately to prevent a health hazard.
• Do not enter the building if flood waters still surround the structure.
• Look for any animals and/or poisonous snakes that may have entered the home. Poke debris with a stick, not your hand.
• Look for hazards such as leaking/broken gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submersed electrical appliances, furnaces, flammable/explosive materials washed from upstream, etc. Check for sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the power main. Do not step in water when around the fuse box, circuit breaker, or broken wires.
• Dispose of any food or canned goods that have come in contact with floodwater.