Flooding
A flood occurs any time a body of water rises to cover what is usually dry land.
Floods are the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. As much as 90 percent of the damage related to all natural disasters (excluding droughts) is associated with flooding.
Is it a watch or warning?
- A flood watch means that flooding is possible during the next 12-36 hours. Keep listening for updated information.
- A flood warning means flooding is occuring or expected to happen soon. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- A flash flood warning means a flash flood is occuring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.
Flood Preparedness:
- Know the flood risk in the area, including the elevation above flood stage and the history of flooding in the area.
- Prepare a flood evacuation plan, and practice the route. Be aware of which roads become flooded and which remain passable.
- Obtain flood insurance if living in a floodplain. Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel to at least one foot above the level of the floodplain.
- Install check valves in plumbing to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of the home.
During A Flood Watch:
- Listen to a radio or television for latest flood information.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as furniture, toys, and tools and anchor objects that cannot be moved inside.
- Elevate items in the basement above flood levels.
- If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off electricity and water.
- Store drinking water in clean jugs, bottles, and containers.
- Elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor if time permits.
- Store valuables and papers in waterproof containers.
- Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas on. You will need gas for heating and cooking when you return home. A licensed professional is needed to turn gas back on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond.
- Turn off propane gas service. Propane tanks often become disloged in disasters.
During A Flood Warning:
- Listen for official instructions.
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- If trapped indoors, get to the highest point in your home and use a cell phone to call 9-1-1 for evacuation help.
- If outdoors, climb to higher ground. Avoid walking through water. If it is moving swiftly, even water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
- If in a car, if you come to a flooded road, turn around and go another direction.
- If your car stalls, abandon it and climb to higher ground. Many deaths occur from attempts to move stalled cars.
After A Flood:
- Stay tuned to your radio and television for information.
- Listen for official instructions. Don't return home until authorities say that it is safe to do so.
- Stay out of buildings where water still remains. When entering a building, use caution.
- Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven indoors by water.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
- Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
Throw away food--including canned goods--that has come in contact with flood waters. Pump out flooded basements gradually, about one-third of the water per day, to avoid structural damage. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
Page created and maintained by Vickie Hickman and Tift County CERT volunteers.
Last change: July 4, 2009
Copyright 2009, Vickie Hickman