During a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

 Listen to the radio or television for information.

 Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood,
move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

 Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood
suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings
such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

 Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential
items to an upper floor.

 Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect
electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing
in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

 Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If
you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check
the firmness of the ground in front of you.

 Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the
car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be
swept away quickly.

 Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly
during threatening conditions.

After the Flood

Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas,
many dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:
 Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed
advice as soon as available.

 Avoid moving water.

 Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically
requested by police, fire, or relief organization.

 Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them
by staying off the roads and out of the way.

 Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings
and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and
climb to higher ground.

 Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

 Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by
water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a
barricade or a flooded road, go another way.

 If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.

o Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your
feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed
power lines.

o Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode
roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's
also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.

 Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened
and could collapse under the weight of a car.

 Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

 Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage,
particularly in foundations.

STAYING HEALTHY

A flood can cause physical hazards and emotional stress. You need to look after
yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
 Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.

 Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as
possible. Damaged sewer systems are serious health hazards.

 Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to
drink

 Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain
sewage and chemicals.

 Rest often and eat well.

 Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.

 Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for
information on emotional support available in your area.

CLEANING UP AND REPAIRING YOUR HOME

 Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in
your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn
it back on.

 Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home (737KB PDF) which is
available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency
manager. It will tell you:

o How to enter your home safely.

o How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.

o How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.

o How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.

o How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.

 The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and
cleaning supplies.

 Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.

 Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the state
or federal government or other organizations.
 If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and be sure they are
qualified to do the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods
offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home.

Flood Insurance

What you should know:

 Flood losses are not typically covered under renter and homeowner’s insurance
policies.

 FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes
federally-backed flood insurance available in communities that agree to adopt and
enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.

 Flood insurance is available in most communities through insurance agents.

 There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect, so don’t
delay.

 Flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out of an identified flood-

prone area.

What you can do:

 Find out if your home or business is at risk for flood and educate yourself on the
impact a flood could have on you and your family. FEMA's Flood Insurance Study
compiled statistical data on river flows, storm tides, hydrologic/hydraulic analyses,
and rainfall and topographic surveys to create flood hazard maps that outline your
community's different flood risk areas.

 Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and determine if you need
additional coverage.

 Contact the NFIP. They can help provide a means for property owners to
financially protect themselves if additional coverage is required. The NFIP offers
flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community
participates in the NFIP. To find out more about the NFIP visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
 Flood Safety Awareness Week
is March 18 to 22, find out more at the
National Weather Service

While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a
variety of conditions that can include heavy rains, severe weather, and rapid
snowmelt that can increase your flood risk.

Don't be caught off guard, get the facts and know the risks. Take action to protect
yourself, your family, your business, and your finances—before a weather event
occurs and it's too late.

Use the tools here to learn the steps you can take before, during and after a flood to
prepare yourself and your family.

INTERACTIVE FLOOD RISK RESOURCES

For more information about floods, risk of financial loss due to flooding, and flood
insurance check out

 The Cost of Flooding Tool

 Your Flood Risk Scenarios

 Testimonials: Real Flood Stories

RECOMMENDED TRAINING

To promote Flood Safety Awareness, FEMA's Emergency Management Institute

(EMI) has developed a series of training programs to encourage flood safety. This
guide provides readers with an easy way to identify and access self-paced courses
designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the
general public.

 IS 22: Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness

 IS 279: Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential

Structures

PRINTER FRIENDLY INFORMATION YOU CAN USE & SHARE

 FEMA has developed these resources to educate and inform communities about the
importance of flood safety awareness. Regional information is available to help you
get to know the risks in your area.

 What You Should Know About Spring Flooding: Risks and Protection

 Flood After Fire Fact Sheet

 Region II: New York and New Jersey

 Region III: DC, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia

 Region V: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin

 Region VI: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas

 Region VII: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska

 Region VIII: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming

OUTREACH TOOLKIT MATERIALS

As a leader in public information response to emergency situations, the National

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has developed this valuable tool designed to assist
your efforts to educate and inform communities about the importance of flood
insurance coverage.

 Flood Outreach Toolkit Materials

FEMA Publications
 If you require more information about any of these topics, the following resources
may be helpful.

 After a Flood: The First Steps. L-198. Information for homeowners on

preparedness, safety and recovery from a flood.

 Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding .
L-235. A brochure about obtaining information about how to protect your home
from flooding.

 Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding .
FEMA-312. A detailed manual on how to protect your home from flooding.

 About the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House. FEMA-347. This publication is
intended for builders, code officials and homeowners.

 Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage. FEMA-348. This publication is

intended for developers, architects, engineers, builders, code officials and
homeowners.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

 Hurricane Flooding: A Deadly Inland Danger. National Weather Service-20052.

Brochure describing the impact of hurricane flooding and precautions to take.

 The Hidden Danger: Low Water Crossing. National Weather Service-96074E.

Brochure describing the hazards of driving your vehicle in flood conditions.

RELATED WEBSITES

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for floods and learn about
available resources by visiting the following websites:

 Federal Emergency Management Agency

 NOAA Watch

 American Red Cross

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control

 USA Freedom Corps Website

 www.FloodSmart.gov

LISTEN TO LOCAL OFFICIALS

Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your
state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by
local emergency management officials.

Last updated: 02/25/2013 - 01:11 PM