How to Prepare for a Flood
Before a flood
- 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
Driving tips
- 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