Floods
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Here’s what you can do to stay safe during a flood:
At Home
- If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic or roof.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
- Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
- If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
When Outside
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down,
and two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
- If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground and avoid areas subject to
flooding. Flash floods are the No. 1 cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
- If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher
ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
- Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can
flood quickly and with little warning.
Flood Watch
= Be Aware. Conditions are right for flooding in your area.
Flood Warning
= Take Action. Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly
Know Your Risk
Check FEMA’s flood map service center for your area to see the
flood risk for your community.
Flash Flooding
- Floods kill more people on average than tornadoes and lightning combine. Most flood deaths are due
to flash floods.
- Flash floods are often the result of heavy rains associated with severe thunderstorms. You will not
always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming.
- When a Flash Flood Watch is issued, be alert and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
- When a Flash Flood Warning is issued, or the moment you realize a flash flood is imminent, act
quickly to save yourself. You may only have seconds.
- Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are automobile related. In your auto, look out for
flooding at highway dips, bridges or low areas.
- Do not drive through flowing water. A mere two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.
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