Flood Preparedness

Prepare

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!

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.