Protecting Yourself from a Flood

Have a plan.  

• Know where you will evacuate to, and the best way to get there.
• Have necessary supplies kit(s) ready to use.

If an evacuation order has been issued… 

Unplug electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small appliances, such as toasters and microwaves.

• Turn off gas, electricity, and water to the house.
• Know the difference between a mandatory and voluntary evacuation. If your city or municipality officials order a voluntary evacuation of the area it is up to an individual’s discretion to evacuate.
• Mandatory evacuations are designed to keep residents safe and residents must and should leave their homes and the area at risk to seek shelter in a safer area.
• Follow these instructions to evacuate yourself and your family:https://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family.
• Plan ahead, know the evacuation routes in your area and have a plan in place that all members of the household are aware of.
• Keep family members, neighbors, and other local friends informed of your evacuation plans. Alert them when you chose to evacuate to your planned destination. Designate a contact outside of the affected area to know your plan and whereabouts should communication fail within the area of risk.
• When the possibility of evacuation nears make sure to keep a full tank of gas in your car and throughout your trip away try keep it at half full to avoid breakdowns on congested roads.
• Check other fluid levels in the car, the air pressure in tires, and ensure that the vehicle chosen for evacuation can handle a long trip.
• Click here for FEMA guidelines.

Assemble a supply kit for your home, work and car. Learn what to pack here.

Home:

• keep it in a designated place, make sure everyone in the family knows where it is.
• It should contain essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days.

Work:

• One container that is ready to grab and go in case you are evacuated from your workplace.
• Make sure you have food and water, and comfortable walking shoes

Car:

• Kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies

For special needs patients:

• Identify any special needs/disabilities an individual has and plan accordingly ahead of time. Helpful tips and suggestions can be found here.

For Parents with babies and/or small children

Have an emergency supplies kit for baby including:

• diapers
• wipes
• medications
• bottles
• formula
• water (for cleaning, and mixing with powdered formula)
• battery operated fan
• jars of baby food for 3 days
• blanket