Protect Yourself From the Hazard

How to stay safe from flood threats

Prepare Now

• Know your flood risk
• Learn your evacuation routes
• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off
• Obtain flood insurance
• Elevate important items or put them in waterproof containers
• Check any drains to ensure adequate flow. Gutters, french drains, etc.
• Secure your property: To avoid causing damage, be sure to secure any outdoor items that could potentially become hazards during a storm
• If you know your building may flood, be proactive and turn off utilities that may be damaged or destroy.

During

• Evacuate if told to do so. Never drive through flooded areas or around barricades, they are there for a reason. Turn around, don't drown!
• Listen to EAS, NOAA weather radio, or local alerting systems for current emergencies and instructions
• If trapped in a building, move to the highest level. Do not climb into an enclose attic! You may become trapped by rising floodwater.

Be safe after

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions
• Avoid driving through flooded areas
• Avoid wading through floodwaters. Floodwaters can contain dangerous debris or can be electrically charged by down powerlines
• Use a generator or other gasoline powered machinery outside where there is adequate ventilation

You can find additional safety information as well as evacuation routes and shelter locations here.