Flood Disaster Preparedness

• Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Avoid building in floodplains, unless structure is elevated and reinforced
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel
• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater backups
• Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and, seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds

• Six inches of water will stall or cause control issues in most passenger vehicles
• A foot of water will float many passenger vehicles
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most passenger vehicles including, SUVs and pick-ups
• Never attempt to drive through a flooded road; depth is not always obvious, and the roadbed may be washed away under the surface
• Do not drive around barricades
• Do not try to take short-cuts, and stick to designated evacuation routes
• Avoid driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers
  

Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) website, www.floodsmart.gov, or call 1 (800) 427-2419.