Be prepared:

Flood and flash flood         

[March 01, 2007]  WASHINGTON -- Flood and flash flood preparations:

Know what to expect

Know your area's flood risk -- if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.

• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce potential flood damage by...

• Raising your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

• Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.

Floods can take several hours to days to develop

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.

• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop

• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.

• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

Prepare a family disaster plan

• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing...

• First-aid kit and essential medications.

• Canned food and can opener.

• At least three gallons of water per person.

• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.

• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places... a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.

When a flood WATCH is issued...

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When a flood WARNING is issued...

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

When a flash flood WATCH is issued...

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a flash flood WARNING is issued...

• Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!

• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades; they are there for your safety.

• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

[Text from the American Red Cross]