Before a flood...
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.
Minimum Supplies Needed:
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Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
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Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
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Flashlight
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Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio, if possible) and extra batteries
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First Aid Kit
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Medications (minimum 7-day supply) and medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
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Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)—store in air-tight bag
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Sanitation and personal hygiene items
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Cell phone with chargers
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Family and emergency contact information
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Blanket(s)
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Map(s) of the area
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Extra cash
Prepare an 'After-Emergency-Checklist':
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If food or medicine has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.
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Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.
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When entering buildings after a flood use extreme caution.
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Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings.
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Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapse.
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Watch out for animals, like snakes, that may have come into your home with flood waters.
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Take pictures of the damage - both of the house and its contents for insurance claims.
* Store items such as medications and documents or other water-damageable items in air-tight bag or container.
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies as appropriate:
- Babies: Bottles, formula, baby food, diapers and wipes
- Children: Games, activities and any favorite items
- Senior or disabled people: Walker
- Pets: Food, bowl, carrier, collar and leash
* These items are suggestions; take time to consider any additional needs that you or your family may require.
Additional supplies to consider for your kit:
- Two-way radios
- Extra clothing
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Manual can opener
- Whistle
- Sanitizing or disinfecting supplies
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Multi-purpose tool
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Work gloves
- Duct tape
During a flood...
Implement your disaster preparedness plan:
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Monitor local weather forecasts.
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Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if ordered to do so by the authorities.
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Adhere to any emergency orders of authorities.
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Do not touch any electrical appliances that are wet or standing in water.
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Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
