Flood Disaster Preparedness

Before a Flood

• Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan

• Avoid building in floodplains, unless structure is elevated and reinforced

• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel

• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater backups

• Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building, and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds

Driving Tips

• Six inches of water will stall or cause control issues in most passenger vehicles
• A foot of water will float many passenger vehicles
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most passenger vehicles including SUVs and pick-ups
• Never attempt to drive through a flooded road; depth is not always obvious, and the roadbed may be washed away under the surface
• Do not drive around barricades
• Do not try to take short-cuts, and stick to designated evacuation routes
• Avoid driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers