A flood is an unusually high flow, overflow, or inundation of water. A flood can take several hours or days to develop near or downstream from a precipitation event. A flash flood, however, can occur within minutes! When a flash flood watch is issued, be prepared to evacuate the area immediately. The best way to be ready for a flood or a flash flood is to plan ahead. Know the flood risks in the area where you live, and assemble a disaster supply kit.

Flood Preparedness Kit To be ready for a flood, you can assemble a flood safety kit that includes these items:
Flashlight Battery-powered radio, ideally a NOAA Weather Radio Extra batteries for flashlight and radio Cell phone Bottled water, canned food, and high-energy snacks Manual can opener	Water-purifying supplies (chlorine or iodine tablets) First-aid supplies and prescription medicines Written instructions for the correct way to turn off gas and electricity if authorities advise you to do so Evacuation plan that includes where to go and how you can be contacted Clothing, including rain gear and boots Rubber gloves Personal hygiene supplies

If a flood watch is issued, move valuable items in your home to higher floors. Bring loose outdoor items like lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans inside. When a flood warning is issued, listen to NOAA Weather Radio or other radio and television broadcasts to keep informed on what to do and when to evacuate. Be prepared to turn off electrical power, gas, and water supplies before evacuating. Sanitize sinks and bathtubs with bleach, then fill them with clean water in case your water supply becomes
contaminated by the flood. Also fill plastic bottles and jugs with clean water. You should try to have a three- to five-day supply for your household.

If ordered, evacuate to higher ground, following official instructions, observing barricades, and following posted evacuation routes. Never ignore an evacuation order, and only take essential supplies with you. If your car stalls in rapidly rising floodwater, abandon it if you can do so safely. Rushing water as little as 10 cm (4 in.) deep can knock a person down and sweep them away.

After the flood, do not return to the evacuated area until authorities give the okay to return. Do not drink tap water until you know it is safe. Floods can cause sewer systems to overflow, contaminating both the floodwaters and possibly freshwater sources. Throw away all food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Use caution while assessing damage and cleaning up in areas like basements that may still have standing water. Stay away from downed power lines, electrical wires in water, unsafe structures and stagnant water.

If you have to clean up after a flood, be prepared to disinfect the materials you work with and wash
yourself thoroughly. Bacteria, mold, viruses, and agricultural and industrial waste in unsanitary flood
water can make you sick if you do not take proper precautions.

 

Also, protect yourself from animal-related hazards after a flood disaster. Wild animals will have been displaced from their homes in a flood. Be prepared to encounter animals that live in your area but might, under normal circumstances, not be a problem for you. Avoid wild and stray animals, and call local animal control authorities to handle them. Remove any dead animals from your property according to guidelines supplied by animal control. Dispose of garbage and debris as soon as possible to avoid attracting wild animals looking for food and new shelter.