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Flood The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA), through its Weather Service's River Forecast Centers and River District Offices, issues flood forecasts and warnings when rainfall is enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks and when melting snow may combine with rainfall to produce similar effects. Flood warnings are forecasts of impending floods and are distributed to the public by radio and television and through local government emergency personnel. The warning message indicates the expected severity of flooding (minor, moderate, or major), the affected river or lake, and when and where flooding will begin. Careful preparations and prompt response will reduce property loss and ensure personal safety. Flash flood warnings are the most urgent type of flood warning issued and are transmitted to the public over radio, television, and by other means established by local needs. Area radio and television stations usually broadcast the latest flood information and warnings. However, more specific advice and instructions will be given through local media by local government. Before the Flood Find out if your residence is located in a probable flood plain so you can determine if you may be flooded. This information may be obtained from the local City or County Engineering Department. Make advance plans (what to do and where to go) for a flood emergency. Keep a stock of food which requires little cooking and no refrigeration; electric power may be interrupted. Keep portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, lights, and flashlights in working order. Keep first aid and critical medical supplies (prescriptions, insulin, etc.) at hand. Keep your automobile fueled; if electrical power is cut off, filling stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing. Keep your insurance policies and a list of personal property in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. Know the name and location of the agent(s) who issued these policies. Buy flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. You should contact your property/casualty agent or broker about eligibility for flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NfiP). Generally, there is a five-day waiting period for this policy to become effective, so don't wait until the last minute to apply. Generally, any contents contained in a walled and roofed structure can be covered. However, the contents must be insured separately. Flood insurance will not cover such things as gas and liquid storage tanks, landscaping, sidewalks, crops, pollutants, septic tanks, roads, motor vehicles, valuable papers (such as deeds, accounts, currency, etc.), livestock or pets. Protect your valuables by transferring them to floors above projected flood levels and enclose them in polyethylene sacks. . Have 72-hour emergency supplies ready, in portable container. Store in location for easy access near main exit of home. Stay tuned to your emergency radio station for instructions. When You Receive a FloodWarning Store drinking water in closed, clean containers. Water service may be interrupted. If flood is likely, and time permits, move essential items and furniture to upper floors of your house. If time permits, before leaving home, cut off all electric circuits at the fuse panel or disconnect switch. If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances. Shut off the water service and gas valves in your home. (Before making announcements on shutting off gas valves, local officials should check with the gas company.) Turn off the main water valve to trap the maximum amount of uncontaminated water in your home. If forced or advised to leave your home, move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. Take 72-hour emergency kits with you plus extra blankets if possible. During the Flood Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees. Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. You can be stranded and trapped. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Many people drown while trying to rescue their car. Listen for information on the location of emergency housing and public feeding stations. After the Flood Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters. Assume that the water is contaminated and purify it by boiling or use of chemicals until notified by local authorities. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking. Do not visit disaster areas; your presence will probably hamper rescue and other emergency operations. Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas; electrical equipment should be checked and dried before it is returned to service. Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches, to examine buildings; flammable substances may be inside. Report broken utility lines to police, fire, or other appropriate authorities. Telephone numbers of local agencies, as well as emergency numbers for our area, should be published and broadcast by the local media. Keep tuned to radio and television stations for instructions on: Where to go to obtain necessary medical care in your area. Where to go for emergency assistance such as housing, clothing, food, etc. Ways to help yourself and your community recover from the emergency. Back to the Preparing For Emergencies page.