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Flood safety
 What can I do before the flood?
Keep a stock of food on hand that does not need to be cooked.
Keep a first aid kit available.
Keep your vehicle fueled.
Tune the radio, television or NOAA weather radio to get the most
current information on the situation.
Know where shelters are that you can use for evacuation, or have other
options available that give you shelter out of the floodplain.
Know what supplies to take with you in an evacuation.
Buy flood insurance.
Have an inventory (including photos) of your personal property updated
and in a safe place. This makes it a lot easier to file insurance claims
should disaster strike.
Sandbags may help keep floodwaters from entering your home.
Look at low-lying areas around your home that could benefit from
improved drainage; look at your neighborhood for drainage enhancements as
well.
Look at retrofitting your home to help minimize flood damage.
 What can I do to be
safe during a flood?
When told to evacuate by officials, do so in a timely manner.
Know what you need to take with you in an evacuation, and have that
ready to go before the call to leave comes.
Elevate any items you can to improve the chances they'll stay dry in a
flood.
Avoid flood-prone areas while evacuating. Don't drive through standing
or running water (even if you think you know how deep it could be), and
avoid unstable or low-lying areas if possible.
Before you leave your home, shut off the electricity at the main
breaker/fuse panel to everything except refrigerators and freezers. Turn
off the water supply to your home. It will make your return that much
safer.
If you stay in your home, use common sense. Avoid downed power lines,
do not use open flames in enclosed spaces, consume only safe and sealed
foods and liquids.
What should I do after the
flood?
Do not eat fresh food that has come into contact with flood water.
Drink only bottled water.
Stay away from flooded areas. You will only hamper rescue and response
efforts.
Do not handle live electrical equipment.
Report downed power lines to law enforcement or to the power company.
Stay tuned to your portable radio or TV for additional information and
updates on the situation.
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