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Flooding Preparedness

Are you prepared for Flooding?

If a flood watch or warning has been issued for your area, be prepared to either shelter in place or evacuate at a moments notice.

  • Know your terms

    • WATCH: Floods are possible. “Be aware!” because conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.
    • WARNING: Floods will occur soon; move to higher ground. “Take action!” because flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.
    • FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Flooding is occurring; seek higher ground immediately. Listen to local officials.

  • Readiness Tips

    • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters: “When flooded, turn around, don’t drown!”
    • 6" of fast moving water can knock you down.
    • 12" of fast moving water can carry away a small vehicle.
    • 18" of fast moving water can carry away most SUVs, vans and trucks.

    • Stay off bridges over fast- moving water.

    • Depending on the type of flooding:

      • Evacuate if told to do so.

      • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.

      • Stay where you are.

    • Floodwaters can hide dangers below the surface, such as washed-out roadways and debris.

    • It is impossible to judge the exact depth of water covering a roadway or the condition of the road below the water.

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