Preparing for a Flood
- Visit Floodsmart to find out if your home is at risk for a flood.
- If you are in a high flood risk area:
- Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home.
- Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds, if possible.
- Verify that you have flood insurance, which is not typically covered with property insurance. See "Flood Insurance" for more information.
- Understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.
- Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot. Even water only six inches deep, when moving at a high rate of speed, can knock you off your feet.
- Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.
- Roadbeds may not be intact under the water. If a vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants.
- Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.