Floods
Floods occur regularly across the country, causing evacuations, widespread damage and even death. Those living near waterways or other low-lying areas are most at risk, but anyone in a community susceptible to flooding can be affected. Hazards range from potentially deadly flash flooding to water contamination due to broken gasoline or sewer lines.
Before a Flood
- Consider purchasing flood insurance through the Nation Flood Insurance Program. Regular homeowner' insurance does not cover flood losses
- Know how to get to higher ground from your home
- Learn your community's flood evacuation routes
- Ask local officials how you can protect your home
Protecting Your Property
- If your home is prone to flooding, move your furnace, water heater and electric panel to higher floors
- Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent water from backing up into your house
- Waterproof your basement walls to stop seepage
- Build barriers such as flood walls or levees to keep out floodwater
- Store insurance policies, deeds and other records in a safe-deposit box
During a Flood
- Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates
- Watch for flash flooding. This can occur without rain clouds or rain in the immediate area
- Avoid low-lying areas such as canyons and drainage channels
- Never walk through moving water more than 6 inches deep
- Do not drive through flooded areas
- If your vehicle stalls in water, exit it and move to higher ground
- Evacuate if instructed to by authorities and return home only when they say it's safe
After a Flood
- Be careful in areas where floodwaters have receded
- Watch for downed electrical lines and weakened roads and bridges
- Stay out of flooded buildings
- Use caution when entering damaged structures. Their foundations may have weakened
- Avoid coming into contact with floodwater—it may be contaminated. Wash your hands if they get wet
- Discard any food that has been in contact with floodwater
Beware of Landslides
- Look for changes in the landscape, such as small slides; leaning trees, pole or fences; widening cracks in the driveway or street; or the ground bulging out at the base of a slope or hill
- Be prepared to evacuate if you feel threatened
- While driving, watch for signs like fallen rocks and mud in the roadway. Embankments along roadsides can slide with little or no notice
- Move quickly away from the path of the slide
- If you cannot escape, curl into a ball and protect your head
Terms to Know
- Flood Watch- Flooding is possible within 12 to 36 hours
- Flash Flood Watch- Flash flooding is possible and could occur without warning. Prepare to move to higher ground if you are at risk
- Flood Warning- Flooding is or soon will be occurring. Evacuate immediately if advised
- Flash Flood Warning- Flash flooding is occurring. Move to higher ground at once if you are at risk
Did You Know
Cars can be easily swept away in just 2 feet of moving water.