Prolonged rainfall over several days or an ice
jam can cause a river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding
area. A flash flood from a broken dam or levee or after intense
rainfall of one inch (or more) per hour often catches people unprepared.
Regardless, the rule for being safe is
simple: head for the high ground and stay away from the water. Even a
shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most
people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking,
swimming, or diving through such swift water.
Still, you can take steps to prepare for these
types of emergencies. Have various members of the family do each of
the items on the checklist below. Then hold a family meeting to
discuss and finalize your Home Flood Plan.
Determine whether you're in a flood area. To help determine this contact your
insurance company, National Weather Service, or Federal Emergency Management Agency.
If in a flood area, is flooding covered under your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy?
(Most insurance policies specifically exclude flooding from rising water.)
If flooding is not covered under your homeowner's or renter's policy,
obtain separate flood insurance.
Keep current copies of all important papers or valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Put together a Disaster Supply Kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab box.
Write instructions on how and when to turn off your utilities-electricity, gas, and water.
Decide where your family would go in case you must evacuate. Clear you plan
with the relatives or friends you plan to stay with. Also, get an extra map
and mark two alternate ways to reach that destination. Add the map
to your Disaster Supply Kit.
Make sure your map is water proof such as a laminated map.
A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
An old thermos or water bottle can easily be used to keep family documents and important papers dry.
A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Elevation maps will show low areas and high areas in your community.
And remember... when a flood,
tornado, fire or other emergency happens in your cmmunity, you can
count on your local American Red Cross Chapter to be there to help you
and your family. Your Red Cross is not a religious or government
agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood.
For more information, you can also contact National Weather Service Office, or Emergency Management Agency.
