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Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit
box. |
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Check your homeowners or renters insurance for flood insurance coverage--if
none exists, purchase. |
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Store supplies at work, home and car in handy locations:
· First aid kit and essential medicines.
· Food (packaged, dried, canned, or food for special diets.)
· Non-electric can opener.
· Keep some cash on hand. ATM machines may not be working.
· Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries (stored in water-tight
plastic bag.)
· Store drinking water in closed, clean containers in case water service is
interrupted. Allow one gallon of water per person per day for at least three
days. |
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Keep your car fueled. If electric power is cut off, filling stations may not
be able to operate. |
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Know safe routes from your home or office to high, safe ground. |
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Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and other emergency
building materials handy for waterproofing. |
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Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding. |
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Do
not try to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. Even
water as low as 6 inches deep may cause you to be swept away by strong
currents. |
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Do
not try to drive over a flooded road. This may cause you to be both stranded
and trapped. |
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If
your car stalls, abandon it IMMEDIATELY and seek higher ground. Many deaths
have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles. |
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|
Do
not sightsee in flooded areas. Do not try to enter areas blocked off by
local authorities. |
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Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm,
loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination. |
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Use the telephone ONLY for emergency needs or to report dangerous
conditions. |
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Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and
instructions from local authorities. |
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|
If
flooding is likely, and time permits, move valuable household possessions to
the upper floors of your home. |
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|
If
advised by local authorities to leave your home, move to a safe area before
access is cut off by flood water. Establish an out-of- state family contact
so that friends and relatives will know who to call to get information about
where you are. |
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Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances, and if advised by your
local utility, shut off electric circuits at the fuse panel and gas service
at the meter. |
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DO
NOT TURN GAS BACK ON YOURSELF. Rely on utility crews. |
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Do
not use fresh foods or canned goods that have come in contact with flood
waters. |
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Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in
doubt, boil or purify water before drinking. Have wells pumped out and the
water tested before drinking. |
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Avoid disaster areas; your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency
operations, and you may be in danger. |
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Do
not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If electrical equipment
or appliances have been in contact with water, have them checked before use. |
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Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them immediately to
the electric or gas company, police or fire department. |
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Use flashlights NOT lanterns, matches or candles to examine buildings;
flammables may be inside. |
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Stay tuned to radio or television for information and
instructions from local authorities. |
