When you receive a flood warning, you can ease difficulties by double-checking your preparations. Here are some thoughts for your consideration.
- Store drinking water in clean air-tight containers – enough for 2 gallons per person /5 days minimum.
- Move essential items of furniture to upper floors, or stack furniture, if time permits.
- Safeguard valuables and important papers.
- Review family plan.
- Make plans to move livestock and/or pets.
- Listen to your local emergency broadcast station.
When asked to evacuate…
- Mandatory Evacuation is ordered when conditions exist that seriously imperil or endanger the lives of those in a designated area. The danger is imminent.
- Evacuate as quickly as possible, before safe routes are cut off by high water.
- Before leaving, turn off gas, water and electricity.
- Take your pets with you. Take your emergency kits: food, clothing, prescriptions, pet supplies, etc.
Other precautions during an evacuation order
- Avoid flooded areas and do not attempt to walk through floodwaters that are more than knee deep, or drive over a flooded road. Even as much as 6 inches of water can float a car.
- If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
- If caught in the house by rising water, go to a higher floor, or to the roof.
- Take warm clothing, a flashlight, and portable radio. WAIT for help!
- Do NOT sight-see in areas blocked off by authorities – you are violating the law when you pass a roadblock – they are for your safety.
- Use the phone (land lines or cellular) only to report dangerous conditions or emergencies.