A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land. A flash flood develops rapidly, without advance notice.
How to Identify a Flood
- Flood Watch: Flooding is possible
- Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible
- Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon
- Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring
How to Prepare for a Flood
- See Get A Kit and Make A Plan for general information
- Discuss special needs you may have during a flood with your support network and plan accordingly
- Have a licensed electrician raise electric components at least a foot above your home's projected flood elevation
- Install backflow valves or plugs in drains, toilets, and other sewer connections to prevent floodwaters from entering
- Elevate furnace, water heater, and electric panel if your area is susceptible to flooding
- Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage
How to Respond to a Flood
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Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so; do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
- If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture; move essential items to an upper floor
- Sanitize bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with bleach and fill with clean water
- Move to higher ground
- Do not attempt to pass through moving water
- Do not drive into flooded areas
- If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car