Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters – except fires. Most communities can experience some type of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms, or winter snow thaws. Floods can be slow, or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of days. Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. Cars can be swept away in 2 feet of moving water.

Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. Flash floods occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and are generally accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris.

Dam failures are potentially the worst flood events. When a dam fails, a gigantic quantity of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.

Communities particularly at risk from flooding are those located in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam.

If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer and saw, pry bar, shovels and sandbags.

Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

Electric circuit breakers should be at least 12 inches above projected flood elevation for your home.

Major appliances such as washers, dryers, furnaces and water heaters should be located above potential flood waters.

Anchor fuel tanks securely to the floor.

Install a floating floor drain plug at the current drain location.

Install a backflow valve in your sewer system.

Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Plan and practice an evacuation route.

Have your Disaster Supplies Kit on hand.

Follow your Family Disaster Plan.

If in a car:

• Climb to high ground and stay there

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.
• Listen to a battery operated radio for evacuation instructions and shelter locations.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes – shortcuts may be blocked.
• Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to radio or television and don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.

Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.

Use extreme caution when entering buildings. Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.

Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that may have come into your home with the flood waters. Use a stick to poke through debris.

Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall in.

Look for fire hazards – broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances, and flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream.

Throw away food – including canned goods – that has come in contact with flood waters.

Pump out flooded basements gradually (about 1\3 of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.

Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.