Thursday, March 01, 2007
sponsored by Jake's Furnishings & Illini Bank

Be prepared:

Flood and flash flood          Send a link to a friend

NWS -- Looks like March will come in like a lion, with severe storms and flooding possible as a strong cold front moves east across Illinois Thursday afternoon

[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.

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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]

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