Determine Risk
Is your area particularly prone to flooding? Your home's elevation relative to flood stage as well as various rivers, streams and dams will help you determine how you will be affected when flood levels are forecast. Contact your local National Weather Service or emergency management office to determine if you are at significant risk. They should also be able to provide details about your community's preparedness plan.

Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio The NOAA Weather Radio tone-alert lets you know when a weather watch or warning has been issued. Make an Evacuation Plan Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go if you need to leave. Don't wait until the last minute to make your evacuation plan. Insure Your Home Flooding is not generally covered in homeowner's policies. Look into the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Protect Documents and Valuables Store important documents such as insurance policies in a safe-deposit box. Keep your safe-deposit box in a place that is at minimal risk of flood damage.

Stock Disaster Supplies
Be sure you have adequate survival supplies that will last you several days.

Construct a Levee or Flood Wall
If your home is particularly at risk, consider building a levee or flood wall to protect your home from flooding. Note that you may need permission for this type of construction project. Check local building codes and ordinances before proceeding with construction.

Building in a Flood Plain If at all possible, avoid building in a flood plain completely. If this is unavoidable, consider elevating your home to protect it from flood damage. Elevate Appliances and Circuit Breaker Consider moving your water heater, furnace, other appliances and your circuit breaker to the upper levels of your home. Inspect Basement Walls Cracks in the walls of your basement can let water in during flooding conditions. Waterproof sealants can help to minimize water seepage.

Install Check Valves
Sewer traps equipped with check valves will prevent flood waters from backing up into your home.

During a Flood Watch

Watch & Listen Watch local television or listen to local radio or a NOAA Weather Radio for weather details in your area. Watch for signs of flooding in your area. Secure Your Home Bring lawn furniture and other outdoor belongings inside. Move furniture and other valuables to the higher floors of your home.

Fill Your Vehicle's Gas Tank
You may be caught in traffic if you need to evacuate. Be sure you have adequate fuel.

Store Water Fill sinks, bathtubs, pots, pans and other containers with water to ensure you have adequate water should local supplies become contaminated. Be Prepared to Evacuate Be prepared to leave the area should serious flooding occur. Should local authorities advise you to evacuate, do so.

During a Flood Warning

Evacuate Immediately
If your home is in a flood risk area, leave immediately. Move to higher ground and avoid rivers, streams, storm drains and low-lying areas.

If Driving…
Avoid flooded and low-lying areas. Do not drive through water. Find another way around flooded areas. If your engine stalls or your vehicle is surrounded by water, leave your vehicle immediately and move to higher ground.

After a Flood

If Necessary, Seek Medical Attention If you were injured during the flood, seek medical attention as contaminated flood waters can increase your risk of developing an infection. Help Others Tend to the injuries of others and help those that may require special assistance. Call 911 if anyone has injuries beyond the superficial or if other emergency conditions exist. Listen for Emergency Updates Listen to a battery-powered radio for emergency updates.

Avoid Flooded Areas
Avoid flood waters, landslides and areas that may have been damaged during the flood. Do not enter buildings until it is safe to do so. In addition to water damage, gas leaks and electric damage can occur during flooding. Report any damage to utilities immediately.

Check for Damage
Be extremely cautious when checking for building damage. Wear heavy shoes and use a battery-powered flashlight when entering buildings. Check for structural damage to be sure a building is not in danger of collapsing. Check for gas leaks, damage to electrical and plumbing systems, and remain on the lookout for fire hazards. Be wary of animals such as poisonous snakes that may have entered the building.

Returning Home
Discard food that has become contaminated by flood waters. Slowly pump out flood water from basements to avoid structural damage. Purify drinking water if you are not certain it is free from contamination.