FLASH FLOOD

    

Know what to expect

  • Know your area’s flood risk—if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning  and zoning department.

  • If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

  • Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.

Reduce potential flood damage by—

  • Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

  • Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken

Floods can take several hours to days to develop -

  • A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.

  • A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will  occur soon in your area.

Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop—

  • A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.

  • A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.

 When a flood WARNING is issued—

  • Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

  • Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice.

When a flash flood WARNING is issued—

  • Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!

  • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.

  • If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it  immediately and climb to higher ground.

 Prepare a Family Disaster Plan

  • Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

  • Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing—

  • First aid kit and essential medications.

  • Canned food and can opener.

  • At least three gallons of water per person.

  • Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

  • Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend’s home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a flood WATCH is issued—

  • Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

  • Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

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. Hold a family meeting to discuss and finalize your Home Flood Plan.

Keep current copies of all important papers or valuables in a safe-deposit box.

City of Calabasas © 2013