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Floods are among Earth's most common, and most destructive, natural hazards. Some can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, giving people in harm's way time to prepare or evacuate. Others, called flash floods, form quickly and can appear with little or no warning. It is important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam.  Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.

FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

Before a Flood

• Avoid building in a floodplain.
• Construct barriers (levees, berms, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your home.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• If a flood is likely in your area, listen to the radio or television for information.
• Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.  A watch means flooding is possible, whereas a warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a batter-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car to include:  copies of prescription medications and medical supplies; bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows; a first aid kit; copies of important documents (driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.).
• Make a plan for your family.
• Know your risks, know your saftey:  Find out if your home is at risk for flooding. Have flood insurance.
• Prepare your home:  Elevate all utilities and equipment out of the base flood elevation. Install "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Prepare your business.

• Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include needed medications.
• If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
• If there is any possiblity of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
• If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.  Disconnect electrical appliances.

• Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches of moving water can make you fall.
• If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakend and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.   

Before hurricane season begins or NOW

Plan an evacuation route.

• Review the evacuation route by clicking on either the LA DOTD Disaster Evacuation Guides & Maps above or the LA Citizen Awareness & Disaster Evacuation Guide Southeast below under Hazard Mitigation Links (Flood Information). Determine the safest evacuation route for you.

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and manual
• Duct tape
• Emergency food and water (at least one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days; non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices; paper plates and plastic utensils; cooking tools)
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes
• Fully charged cell phone
• Store important papers in a waterproof container or resealable plastic bag. Among the important documents: insurance records, medical records, bank account numbers and other financal records, Social Security card, birth and marriage certificates, passports, wills, deeds, etc.

Make arrangements for pets.

• Pets are not allowed in emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.

• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Protect your windows.
• Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood – marine plywood is best – cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

• Install permanaent wooden or metal storm shutters or board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood.
• Install metal straps or hurricane clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.
• Clear rain gutters and downspouts.

Check into flood insurance.

• Buy flood insurance.  Anyone can get flooded, even if you don't live in a designated flood zone.  You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is a 30-day waiting period before activation of flood insurance policies. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

Develop an emergency communication plan.

• Inquire about emergency plans and procedures at your child's school and at your workplace.
• In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Make sure everyone knows home, work and cell phone numbers.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

During a Hurricane Watch

(A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.)

• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Review evacuation plan.
• Store boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
• Make sure every family member carries or wears identification.

During a Hurricane Warning

(A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions – winds of 74 mph or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas – are expected in 24 hours or less.)

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• Turn off propane tanks. Shut off other utilities if emergency officials advise you to do so.
• If in a mobile home, check tiedowns and evacuate immediately.
• Avoid elevators.
• If at home:
  – Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
  – Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
  – If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.
• If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
  – Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
  – Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
  – Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
  – If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
  – Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
  – Lock up home and leave.
• If you cannot evacuate and are staying in your home:
  – Go to a safe indoor place for refuge, such as an interior room, closet, or hallway. Stay downstairs only if you are not in a flood prone or storm surge area.
  – Do not go outdoors during the storm, even in its early stages. Flying debris is extremely dangerous.
  – Close all doors, brace external doors, stay clear of windows and keep curtains and blinds shut.
  – If necessary take cover under a heavy table or under something protective. 
  – Don't be tricked by a sudden lull in the storm, it may be the "eye" passing over. The storm will resume.

After the storm

• Stay tuned to local radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards for information.
• Use extreme caution going outdoors. Be alert for downed power lines, broken glass, and damage to building foundations, streets and bridges, and coastal or hillside erosion.
• Help injured or trapped persons.
• Give first aid where appropriate.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
• Watch for closed roads. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, then turn around.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police, or fire department.
• Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage; if electricity is off, keep refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Refrain from sightseeing.
• Use telephone only for emergency calls.
• Inspecting utilities in a damaged home (use a flashlight, never use candles or other ope flames indoors):
  – Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
  – Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
  – Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
• When using a generator, avoid electorcution hazards by following manufacturers' instructions and standard electrical code.
• Do not drink tap water until you know it is safe.