Flood readiness
Getting ready for a possible flood.</P> Here are some basic steps to take to prepare well in advance for a possible flood: > >Risk to the House -- Contact the local county geologist or county planning department to find out if your home is located in a flash-flood-prone area (or landslide-prone area).
>Emergency Plan -- Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
>Rehearsing Evacuation -- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
>A Contact Person -- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the 'family contact' in case your family is separated during a flood.
Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
>Posting Emergency Numbers -- Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
>Special Needs Persons -- Inform local authorities about any special needs such as elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
>Home Hazards -- Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes.
> >Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuation.
>Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate.
>Secure structurally unstable building materials.
</LI></UL> >Fire Extinguisher -- Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
>Sump Pump -- Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
>Electrician -- Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12' above your home's projected flood elevation.
>Plumber -- For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
>Anchor Fuel Tanks -- Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free.
An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.</LI></UL>These recommendations are based on those of the CDC (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
See also: Flood warning; Flood supplies kit.