Flash Floods

• Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters.
• Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
• If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground.
• Do not let children play near storm drains.

Remember

• Flash Floods develop quickly
• They can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks, in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed
• They can occur during any month and at any time during the day. In fact, flash floods often occur at night when it is difficult to find an escape route.
• Flash floods can be deceptive. Flood waters are likely deeper and moving faster than you think.

When Driving

• Avoid low water crossings
• Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas
• Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters
• Move to higher ground if you can do so safely
• Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12to 2 feet of water
• Act quickly
• Rising waters make vehicle doors difficult if not impossible to open.

Floods

• Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage
• Keep your automobile fueled. Gas stations may not be able to operate gas pumps for several days after the flood event
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs or in other containers. Water service may be interrupted for days
• Maintain a reserve of food that requires little if any cooking and no refrigeration
• Keep first aid supplies on hand
• Maintain a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or other radio
• Have emergency cooking equipment and flashlights
• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing into drains in your home

River Flood

During a river flood, follow these safety tips:

• If you come upon a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way
• Do not attempt to drive over flooded roadways
• Never allow children to play near high water, storm drains or viaducts
• Follow all evacuation orders

After the Flood

After the flood has ended, many dangers still remain. Remember these safety rules after river floods end:

• Throw out fresh food that comes in contact with flood waters
• Boil all water before drinking it
• Test well water for purity before drinking
• Do not visit disaster areas, you may hinder emergency operations
• Dry and check electrical equipment before using it
• Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside
• Report downed utility lines to appropriate authorities