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Flood Safety Awareness Week

Michael Estime's picture
Submitted by Michael Estime on Tue, 2010-03-16 09:11
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Prepare for Flooding

  • Know your area's flood risk – if unsure, contact your local emergency management agency.

  • Put together a Ready kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.

  • 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.



Plan to Evacuate

  • Plan and practice flood evacuation routes. Know safe routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground. Don’t forget to include pets in your disaster preparations.

  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank. If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.

  • If planning to evacuate, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

  • Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is designed to provide reasonable flood insurance in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. The program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is available in hundreds of participating Georgia communities.



Stay Informed about Flooding

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

  • Closely monitor a local radio station, 41 NBC or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.

  • Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

  • Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.

  • Never drive through standing water. It only takes two feet of water to float a full-sized automobile.

  • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.

  • Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and seek higher ground.

  • Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

  • Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after floodwaters recede, roads and bridges may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.