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American Red Cross Severe Weather Safety

Flood Safety Checklist
Floods are among the most frequently and costly
natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady
rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods
occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. Know your area's flood risk
What should I do?
- Listen to area radio and television stations
and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding
in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service
(NWS)
- Be prepared to evacuate at a
moment's notice
- When a flood or flash
flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay
there.
- Stay away from floodwaters.
If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop,
turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can
sweep you off your feet.
- If you come upon a flooded road while
driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a
flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car
quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less
than two feet of moving water.
- Keep children out of the water. They
are curious and often lack judgment about running into water or contaminated
water.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is
harder to recognize flood danger.
- Because standard homeowners insurance
doesn't cover flooding, it's important to have protection from the floods
associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other
conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood
insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at
www.fema.gov/business/nfip.

What supplies do I need?
-
Food - at least a 3 day supply of
non-perishable, easy to prepare food.
-
Water - at least a 3 day supply; one gallon per person per day
-
Flashlight
-
Batter powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather
Radio if possible)
- Extra batteries
-
First aid kit
-
Medications (7 day supply) and medical items
(hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
-
Multi-purpose tool
-
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
-
Copies of personal documents (medication list
and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates,
insurance policies)
- Cell phone with
chargers
- Family and emergency contact
information
- Extra cash
-
Emergency blanket
-
Map(s) of the area
-
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food,
diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash,
ID, food, carrier, bowl)
-
Tools/supplies for securing your home
-
Extra set of car keys and house keys
-
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
-
Rain gear
- Insect repellent and
sunscreen
- Camera for photp

What do I do after a flood?
- Return home only when officials have
declared the area safe.
- Before entering your home, look outside for
loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
- Parts of your home may be collapsed or
damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and
overhangs have all their supports.
- Watch out for wild animals, especially
poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the flood water.
- If you smell natural or propone gas or hear
a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
- If power lines are down outside your home,
do not step in puddles or standing water.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous
sites and floodwater.
- Materials such as cleaning products, paint,
batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous.
Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk.
- During cleanup, wear protective clothing,
including rubber gloves and rubber boots
- Make sure your food and water are safe.
Discard items that have come into contact with floodwater, including canned
goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When
in doubt, throw it out!
- Do not use water that could be contaminated
to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby
formula.
- Contact your local or state public health
department for specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in
your area after a disaster as water may be contaminated.
Returning Home After a Flood
Let your family know you are safe
If your community experiences a flood, or any
disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available
through RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare.
If you don't have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and
your family.
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