Know What to
Expect
Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, contact
the NWNC Chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning
department.
- If it has been raining hard for several
hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of
a flood.
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for
flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage
By--
- Raising your furnace, water heater, and
electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
- Consult with a professional for further
information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can
Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in
your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already
occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few
Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is
possible in your area.
- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood
is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare
a Family Disaster Plan
- Check to see if you have insurance that
covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and
other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Assemble
a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding
or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and
extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or
disabled family members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off
electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember,
you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Identify where you could go if told to
evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a
motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood
WATCH Is Issued . . .
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher
floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an
evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood
WARNING Is Issued . . .
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for
information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash
Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be
ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash
Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
- Or if you think it has already started,
evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
- Move to higher ground away from rivers,
streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they
are there for your safety.
- If your car stalls in rapidly rising
waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.