FLOOD INFORMATION
Are You Ready for a Flood?
Know What to Expect
-Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your Allegheny Region Red Cross Chapter , emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
-If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
-Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage By…
-Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
-Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
-A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
-A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
-A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
-A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
-Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
-Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
-Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing--
---First aid kit and essential medications.
---Canned food and can opener.
---At least three gallons of water per person
---Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
---Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
---Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
---Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
-Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
-Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
-Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
-Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued . . .
-Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued . . .
-Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
-Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
-If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials:
-"Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?"
-"Are You Ready for a Hurricane?"
-"Are You Ready for a Tornado?"
-"Avoiding Flood Damage"
-"Your Family Disaster Plan"
-"Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit"
-"Repairing Your Flooded Home". This is a 66-page book designed for homeowners who may engage in flood clean-up and repair of flood-damaged homes.
And remember . . . when a flood, earthquake, tornado, fire, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood. For more information, please contact Allegheny Region Red Cross Chapter or emergency management office.
