Flood — what to do when you are warned and after the water goes down
Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. Flash floods can come without warning. What to have: Non-perishable foods · water for several days, cleaning supplies, documents in a waterproof container, a radio for emergency alerts, heavy work gloves · protective clothing · boots · a mask and more. From the official Ready.gov (FEMA) guidance.
Flood — when you are warned and after the water goes down
Floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. Flash floods can come without warning.
What to have
Before
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets, and learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans and flash flood response.
- Move valuables to higher levels and declutter drains and gutters.
If you are under a flood warning
- Find safe shelter right away. Evacuate if told to do so; otherwise move to higher ground or a higher floor, or stay where you are.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don't Drown! Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Never drive around barricades.
- Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
- Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help; do not climb into a closed attic.
After the water goes down
- Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Downed power lines can electrically charge the water.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
- Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Source: Ready.gov · FEMA — Floods
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What supplies do I need for a flood?
Non-perishable foods · water for several days; Cleaning supplies; Documents in a waterproof container (plus password-protected digital copies); A radio for emergency alerts (NOAA Weather Radio); Heavy work gloves · protective clothing · boots · a mask (for cleanup).
Flood — What should I do beforehand?
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, and learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans and flash flood response. Move valuables to higher levels and declutter drains and gutters.
Flood — What should I do under a flood warning?
Find safe shelter right away. Evacuate if told to do so; otherwise move to higher ground or a higher floor, or stay where you are. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don't Drown! Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Never drive around barricades. Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car. Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help; do not climb into a closed attic.
Flood — What should I do after the water goes down?
Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Downed power lines can electrically charge the water. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows. Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
See every situation on one page at Supplies & what to do, including how long each government advises keeping emergency supplies.
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