National Flood Safety Awareness Week - Friday: Flood Safety

FRIDAY: FLOOD SAFETY
These simple tips can help your viewers prepare for a flood, and take appropriate actions during and after a flooding event occurs.

Before A Flood…

􀂃 Develop a family disaster plan – learn what your flood risk is, find out how your community will warn you if a natural disaster occurs, and identify evacuation plans.
􀂃 Post emergency phone numbers and information in a central place in your home, and make sure family members know where to find them.
􀂃 Make sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers work, and family members know how to use them.
􀂃 Gather emergency supplies – water, food, medications, first aid supplies, portable radio and batteries, and other necessary items – that will last for three days to one week.
􀂃 Keep important family documents in a water-proof and fire-resistant container to protect them.
􀂃 See Avoiding Flood Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners to learn about reducing the risk of flood damage in your home: www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/pdf/flood_damage.pdf.

During a Flood…

􀂃 Listen to local media or NOAA Weather Radio for important updates and information, and follow evacuation instructions given by local officials.
􀂃 Don’t drive if you don’t have to, and follow the safety tips provided by the Turn Around Don’t Drown™ campaign (Tuesday’s topic).
􀂃 Never allow children to play near storm drains, ditches, arroyos, or other areas subject to flooding.
􀂃 If floodwater is approaching, climb to higher ground.
􀂃 If you are preparing to evacuate and have time, move essential items to a higher floor in your home. Turn off utility main switches/valves if you are instructed to do so.
􀂃 Do not touch electrical equipment or wires if they are wet.

After a Flood…

􀂃 Get medical attention, if necessary.
􀂃 If your power is out, use a flashlight – candles or matches can be dangerous if gas lines are broken.
􀂃 Report any broken utility lines immediately.
􀂃 Boil drinking water, and have well water pumped-out and tested before use. Pay attention to public health warnings from local officials, and follow their directions.
􀂃 Throw out any food or drink that has come in contact with flood waters.