FLOOD PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST

Before the Flood

Find out if you live in a flood-prone area. If you don't know, contact local town/city/county officials to find out.

If YES, then do everything on this check list.

If NO or if you've already done the check list, then help relatives, friends, neighbors and other people do the checklist.

1. Know your emergency phone numbers: Fire, Ambulance, Sheriff, Police.
2. Learn your community's warning signals.
3. Determine what to move up, out or away, then do it: farm animals, feed supplies, furniture, clothing, medical equipment/medicines, important family papers, jewelry, electronics, food, etc
4. Even if you don't have flood insurance, photograph or videotape your possessions.
5. Create a family emergency evacuation plan and practice it with every family member.
6. Use the safest routes to a predetermined place.
7. Avoid roads that will probably be blocked by water.
8. Tell friends and relatives where you will be in case of evacuation.
9. Know how to turn off utilities, such as gas, propane, electricity and water.
10. Secure propane and other fuel tanks so they don't float away and cause danger.
11. Make sure you have emergency supplies on hand that are stored in one or two containers that can be used if you stay, but also taken in case of evacuation:
    • candles
    • extra batteries
    • first aid kit for home
    • extra house keys
    • extra vehicle keys
    • matches
    • credit cards
    • first aid kits for vehicles
    • non-perishable food
    • flashlights
    • sturdy shoes
    • essential medicines
    • non-electric can-opener
    • cash
    • warm clothes
    • prescription glasses
    • etc..
12. Set aside in clean, plastic containers one gallon of drinking water per person, per day for seven days.
13. Install septic back-up valves and sump pumps to prevent sewage and flood waters from backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins if you are told to evacuate.
14. Teach children how and when to call 911, police, fire department, and show them which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
15. Keep your vehicle fuel tanks full.

If You Have Time,

Here Are Some Other Things You Can Do to Minimize Flood Damage to Your Home:

• Remove or leave open all drawers, cabinet doors and room doors (they swell and stick shut)
• Remove furnace and gas burners to prevent clogging by sediment.
• Remove motors from equipment that can't be moved such as furnaces.
• Unplug and wrap in plastic any appliances that can't be moved to keep out water/sediment and make cleanup easier.
• Disconnect gas lines to dryers and refrigerators to prevent breakage if the appliance floats.
• Tie to a tree or other fixed object any un-anchored propane or other kinds of tanks. If tank can be opened safely, fill it with water to prevent flotation.
• If additional time is available and electrical power is disconnected, remove wall receptacles to prevent siltation. This will enable faster restoration of power.
• Move or raise to a higher level the supplies and equipment that will be needed for cleanup such as mops, hoses, gloves, boots, detergents, lubricants, etc.

If You Are Ordered to Evacuate or Choose to Evacuate:

Turn off all electric circuits at the fuse panel, gas and propane service at the meter or main entry, and water at the main valve, then LEAVE immediately.

Drive the safest (not necessarily the shortest) predetermined or ordered route to high ground or shelter.

• If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way:
• Do not drive through water or around barriers.
• A small car can be swept away in as little as one foot of water.
• Two feet of water will take away almost any other vehicle.
• A person can be knocked down by as little as six inches of rushing water.
• If you car stalls, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires and report downed power lines to local officials or law enforcement.