When the cost of failure is high, Optimal Thinking is your best strategy.
How to Optimize Emergency Preparedness
Floods are a common hazard in the United States and around the globe impacting neighborhoods, entire river basins and even several states. Some floods develop slowly over a period of days. But, flash floods can develop in a few minutes without any signs of rain. Flash floods often carry mud, rocks, and debris that roar through and sweep away everything in their path. When a dam breaks, the effects are similar to those produced by flash floods. Floods are most likely to occur in low-lying areas, near water, or a dam.
Are you at risk for flooding? Do you need a disaster plan and disaster supplies? Should you consider buying flood insurance? What is your best plan of action? Here are some issues for your consideration:
Before a Flood
 Build in flood prone areas only if you elevate and reinforce your property.
Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel.
Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into drains.
Erect barriers such as levees, beams, flood and walls.
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
Flood Insurance
Flood losses are not covered under homeowners’ insurance policies.
FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program, where federally-backed flood insurance are available to communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damage.
Flood insurance is available in most communities through insurance agents.
There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect, so don't delay.
Flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out of the identified flood-prone areas.
During a Flood
Tune in to the radio and/or television for information.
If there is a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Don’t wait for instructions.
Be conscious of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas that flood precipitously. Flash floods can occur in these areas without the usual warnings of rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you have to prepare to evacuate
Secure your home. Bring in outdoor furniture, and move essential items to an upper area.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances and don’t handle electrical equipment if you are wet.
Move away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
If you have to evacuate
Do not walk through moving water. 6" of moving water can cause you to fall.
Do not drive into flood areas. If flood waters rise around your car, leave the car and move to a higher area if it is safe.
If you have to walk through water, walk where the water is stagnant. Use a stick to check the stability of the ground in front of you.
Driving Flood Facts
12″ of water will float many vehicles.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
24″ of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.
After A Flood
Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid flood waters - water might be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Avoid moving water.
Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse.
Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden challenges, particularly in foundations.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health problems.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
Additional Information and Resources
FEMA Publications
After a Flood: The First Steps. L-198. Information for homeowners on preparedness, safety, and recovery from a flood.
Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding. L-235. Brochure about obtaining information on how to protect your home from flooding.
Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding. FEMA-312. Manual about how to protect your home from flooding.
About the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House. FEMA-347. Publication for builders, code officials and homeowners.
Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage. FEMA-348. Publication for developers, architects, engineers, builders, code officials and homeowners.
American Red Cross
Repairing Your Flooded Home. Sixty-page booklet about performing simple home repairs including cleaning, sanitation, and how to determine which professionals for needed services after a flood.
Also available online at www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1418.
National Weather Service
Hurricane Flooding: A Deadly Inland Danger. 20052. Brochure about the impact of hurricane flooding and precautions to be taken.
The Hidden Danger: Low Water Crossing. 96074E. Brochure about the hazards of driving in floods.
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