Prolonged rainfall over several days or an ice jam can cause a river or stream to overflow and flood the surrounding area. A flash flood from a broken dam or levee or after intense rainfall of one inch (or more) per hour often catches people unprepared. Regardless, the rule for being safe is simple: head for the high ground and stay away from the water. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through such swift water.
Still, you can take steps to prepare for these types of emergencies. Have various members of the family do each of the items on the checklist below. Then hold a family meeting to discuss and finalize your Home Flood Plan.
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Determine whether you’re in a flood area. Flood area: Yes No
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If in a flood area, is flooding covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy? (Most insurance policies specifically exclude flooding from rising water.)
Flood insurance: Yes No
____
If flooding is not covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy, obtain separate flood insurance.
Insurance company: __________________________________________________
____
Keep current copies of all important papers or valuables in a safe-deposit box.
Location of safe-deposit box: __________________________________________________
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Put together a Disaster Supplies Kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab box.
Location of Disaster Supplies Kit: __________________________________________________
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Write instructions on how and when to turn off your utilities—electricity, gas, and water.
Instructions written: __________________________________________________
(date)
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Decide where your family would go in case you must evacuate. Clear your plan with therelatives or friends you plan to stay with—or go to a Red Cross shelter. Also, get an extra map and mark two alternate ways to reach that destination. Add the map to your Disaster Supplies Kit.
Evacuation plan completed: __________________________________________________
(date)
And remember...when a flood, tornado, earthquake, 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, contact your local Red Cross chapter, National Weather Service office, or emergency management agency. You can also visit these Web sites:
