Flood Preparedness

Prepare
  • Make a Plan
  • Get a Kit
  • Stay Informed
Specific preparedness actions to take:
  • Make or get copies of important documents and keep them in a safe place (carry a copy with you if you evacuate)
    • Deeds and Car registration
    • Wills
    • Homeowners/flood/car insurance info
    • Medical insurance information
      • Prescriptions
    • Phone numbers of important contacts
      • Family, friends
    • Photos of your entire family together for identification purposes
      • Should include pets
  • Remember that any kit you put together should include any needed pet items
  • Notify other (out of area) family members where you intend to go if you choose to evacuate before you leave, that way they know where to find you, don’t try to come to town to find you, or tie up emergency resources looking for you
  • Get an extra battery for your cell phone and/or a car charger
  • Fill your car up a day or two in advance of a storm
  • If you have a family member that is disabled, elderly, or otherwise at risk, contact them a couple of days prior to the event and make sure they are taken care of
At-Risk Population
At-risk population considerations:
  • Physical or mental impairment issues or general weakness may reduce the possibility of self-evacuation
  • Medications and medical records
  • Picture ID (a person may not be eligible for or have a driver’s license but a picture ID can be gotten from the Department of Motor Vehicles)
  • If special needs, the client or family should communicate with local agencies to find the best temporary shelter to evacuate to in advance of an event
Mitigation is Key
As always, mitigate what you can!
  • Elevate utilities
  • Hot water tank, heat pumps, oil/propane tanks
  • Back flow valves on sewage lines
Call-to-Action Statements
Often used call to action statements:
  • Go to higher ground.
  • Sign up for flood alerts.
    • USGS has water alerts, NWS has RSS feeds of river forecasts
  • Turn around don't drown.
  • Follow evacuation orders.
  • Have a plan.
  • Stay away from floodwaters.
  • Get flood insurance.
(Reference: Focus on Floods website)