|
 Recommended
actions for severe weather
Flooding
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[February 01, 2012]
By
becoming familiar with and implementing the following recommended
actions, you and your family will be better protected in the event
of thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.
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Before a flood
Know the terms used to describe flood threats:
Flood watch
-- Flooding or flash flooding
is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. Listen to NOAA
Weather Radio, commercial radio or commercial television for
additional information.
Flood warning
-- Flooding is occurring or
will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash flood warning
-- A flash flood is
occurring or is imminent. Move to higher ground immediately. Flash
floods develop MUCH quicker than river floods.
Flood statement
-- Minor flooding of creeks
and streams, streets, low-lying areas or basement flooding is
occurring or is imminent.
and, if
used in your area, any community alert signals.
Know how to shut
off electricity, gas and water
at main switches and valves. Know
where gas pilots are located and how the heating system works.
Have check valves
installed in building sewer traps
to prevent floodwaters from
backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or
stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins.
Consider measures
for flood-proofing your home .
Call your local building department or emergency management
agency for information.
Consider
purchasing flood insurance .
Flood losses are not covered under homeowners insurance
policies. Flood insurance is available in most communities
through the National Flood Insurance Program. There is usually a
period before it takes effect, so don't delay. Flood insurance
is available whether the building is in or out of the identified
flood-prone area. Call your insurance company for more
information.
Insure your
property and possessions .
Make an inventory of your possessions, using paper lists,
photographs or videotapes of your belongings. Leave a copy with
your insurance company. Update your inventory and review your
coverage with your insurance company periodically.
Keep all of your important records and
documents in a safe deposit box or another safe place away from
the premises.
During a flood
The speed and depth of the
water is not always obvious. There may be a hidden portion of
the roadway washed out under the water. Two feet of water will
carry away most automobiles.
Monitor the radio
or television for the
latest weather information.
Move valuable
household possessions to the upper floor ,
or move to another location if
flooding is imminent and time permits.
If instructed to
do so by local authorities, turn off utilities at their source .
Listen to a
battery-operated radio for evacuation instructions .
If advised to
evacuate, do so quickly .
Evacuation is much
simpler and safer before floodwaters become too deep for
ordinary vehicles to drive through.
Follow recommended evacuation routes .
Shortcuts may be blocked.
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After a flood
.
Stay alert in
areas where floodwaters have receded .
Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a
vehicle. NEVER
cross a flooded road or bridge in your vehicle!
Flood dangers do
not end when the water begins to recede.
Listen to a radio or
television and don't return home until authorities indicate it
is safe to do so.
When you are
allowed to return, remember to help your neighbors who may
require special assistance.
Inspect
foundations for cracks or other damage .
When entering buildings, use extreme caution. If your home was
damaged, check the utilities.
Look for fire
hazards .
Stay out of
buildings that remain in the floodwaters .
Avoid coming in
contact with floodwaters .
The water may be contaminated with oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
Do not wade through a flooded stream to protect or retrieve
belongings.
Consider your
family's health and safety .
Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come
in contact with floodwaters. Listen for news reports to learn
whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
Throw away food --
including canned goods -- that has come in contact with
floodwaters.
Pump out flooded
basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to
avoid structural damage.
Service damaged
septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems
as soon as possible. Damaged
sewer systems pose a health hazard.
If unaffected by
the flood, stay out of the area until you are permitted by local
officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.
Monitor the radio
for special information about where to go to get assistance for
housing, clothing and food .
Other programs are available to help you cope with the stress of
the situation.
Take photos or video of the damage to
your home and your belongings .
___
Source:
2009 Severe
Weather Preparedness Guide, a joint effort between the National
Weather Service and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
[Text from file from
National Weather Service,
Lincoln office] |
