What to expect:

• Know your area's flood risk. If unsure call your city's planning and zoning department.
• If it has been raining hard for many hours or raining for many day's, be alert for the possibility of flooding.
• Listen to your local radio or television stations for flood information.

Flood damage prevention:

• Raise your furnace, water heater and electrical box if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

Educate:

• What is a flood WATCH? Flooding is possible in your area.
• What is a flood WARNING? Flooding is already occuring.
• What is a flash flood WATCH? Flooding is possible in your area and can take only minutes or hours to develop.
• What is a flash flood WARNING? Flodding is already occuring and can take only minutes or hours to develop.

Stock emergency supplies

• Be sure you have the following basic supplies on hand and in an accessible location.
• Flashlight and batteries (long-life alkaline batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• Portable radio and extra batteries (long-life batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• First aid kit and handbook.
• Enough drinkable Water for each family member for at least three days: allow 1 gallon per person per day.
• Emergency food for at least three days: allow 3 meals per person per day.
• Required medications.
• Blankets, warm clothes, gloves and hard shoes.
• Pipe or crescent wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies.

What to do:

When a flood WATCH is issued.

• Move your furniture or valuables to higher areas of your home.

When a flood WARNING is issued.

• Listen to your local radio or television flood information. If told to evacuate do so as soon as possible.

When a flash flood WATCH is issued.

• Be ready to evacuate in a moments notice.

When a flash flood WARNING is issued.

• Evacuate immediately. Act quickly!
• Move to higher ground. Away from rivers, creeks, streams or storm drains.
• Do not drive around barricades.
• Do not drive in potentially hazardous areas.
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Don't expect flooding to occur only when raining. A broken dam or levee can also cause unexpected flooding.

A simple safety rule to remeber. Head for higher ground and stay away from water.

Source: FEMA