Emergency Fundamentals will prepare people for emergencies at home from natural or man-made disasters by giving them access to emergency preparedness information. They will also be able to purchase products and kits to prepare for these emergencies.

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S. But all floods are not alike. Riverine floods develop slowly over a period of time. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in a matter of minutes, without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries a deadly cargo of rocks, mud and other debris that can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding an also occur from a dam break producing effects similar to a flash flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

BEFORE:

1. Know the terms used to describe flooding:

• Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to your radio or television stations for more information. Watches are issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible flooding event.
• Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to your radio and television stations for more information.
• Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring. See higher ground on foot immediately.

2. Be prepared to evacuate. Know and practice your emergency plan.

3. Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Have your 3-day emergency kit readily available as well as a small emergency kit in your vehicle. Click here for ideas on how to put one together yourself.

4. Listen to radio or television stations for current information.

5. Ask local officials whether your property is a flood-prone or high rish-area. But remember that floods often occur outside high-risk areas. Find out how to protect your home from flooding.

6. Identify dams in your area and determine whether they are a hazard to you.

7. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Just remember there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect, so don't wait.

8. Consider options for protecting your property.

• Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs or videotapes of your belongings. Store these documents in a safe place.
• Keep insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from your home.
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate furnace, water heater, and electric panels to higher floors or the attic if they are susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Construct barriers such as levees, berms, and floodwalls to stop floodwater from entering the building.
• Seal walls in basements with water-proofing compounds to avoid seepage.

DURING:

1. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

2. Listen to radio or television stations for current information.

3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.

4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:

• Secure your home. If you have time, tie down or bring outdoor equipment and lawn furniture inside. Move essential items to upper floors.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. Before filling the tub, sterilize it with a diluted bleach solution.

5. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

6. Do not drive into flooded areas. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water will wash away almost all vehicles. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.

AFTER:

1. Avoid floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

2. Avoid moving water.

3. Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

4. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.

5. Stay away from designated disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.

6. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Stay out of buildings if surrounded by floodwaters. Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage particularly in foundations.

7. Consider your family's health and safety needs:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters.
• Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community water supply is safe to drink.
• Listen to news reports for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food.
• Seek necessary medical care if needed.

8. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

9. Contact your insurance agent.