The following information is provided by the National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service:
- Determine the elevation of your property
- Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water
- Keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves
- Call your local emergency management agency to learn how to construct proper protective measures around your home
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off
- Restrict children from playing flooded areas
- Test drinking water for potability; wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking
- Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters
- Wash canned goods that come in contact with floodwaters with soap and hot water
- Do not cross flowing water
- As little as 6 inches of water may causes you to lose control of your vehicle
- Have flood insurance
- Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance
- Do not make assumptions – Check your policy