Flood Safety

Preparing for a Flood

If your area is about to have a flood:

• Create a plan of where to go during a flood
• Create an emergency kit with:
• Water
• Food
• Cash
• First Aid Supplies
• Clothing
• Flashlights
• Important Documents (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers)
• Move valuables, furniture, and appliances to higher levels
• Move hazards (oil, cleaning supplies, pesticides) to higher locations
• Plug drains and toilet connections
• Shut off gas and electricity
• Seal basement vents, windows, and doors
• Use sandbags or barriers to protect your home
• Evacuate your home if advised by authorities

During a Flood

If you are stranded in a flooded area:

• Get to higher ground
• Do not cross flowing water
• Do not drive on flooded roads
• Avoid washed out roads, downed trees and power lines, and potential earth slides
• Abandon your vechicle if it stalls
• Avoid entering a flooded area if you can, espically if you have open cuts/wounds because
• Flood waters contain oil, sewage, chemicals, and other pollution
• You can be swept away by the current
• Use a floatation device if you can

After a Flood

After the flood is over:

• Do not return to homes in flooded areas unless advised by autorities
• Do not enter a house if the electricity was not turned off before or an electrician has checked it out
• Do not use any electrical, heating, pressure, or sewage systems
• Clean dangerous debris like broken glass
• Check for any structural damage to walls, ceilings, or floors
• Throw away any food, water, or medicine that has had contact with flood waters
• Disinfect anything that has gotten wet

Sources

Information:

• Fema
• Susquehanna Flood Forecasting
• Get Prepared Canada
• National Geographic

Images:

• CNBC.com
• Weather.gov