If the water looks to engulf the house/property, get on the roof if you can and signal for help. Use escape to clear. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. They could carry disease or become aggressive especially because they're dealing with an unfamiliar situation. Use up and down arrows to change selection. No need to panic though. So if you live in the midwest, it doesn't mean you don't need to know what to do should a flood hit your town — in fact, the odds are you'll face one before coastal relatives. Get to a safer location immediately, which usually means higher ground. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Accidents can happen in fast flowing flood water so avoid walking or driving in or near flood water. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage. Recently searched locations will be displayed if there is no search query. Just one foot of water is enough to lift a car off the ground. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Democratic Republic of the Congo | Français, State of Vatican City (Holy See) | Italiano. Waders or tall rubber rain boots are great if you have them. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains. Support WHO’s work to track the spread; to ensure patients get care and frontline workers get supplies; and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments. During a flood. If you're not sure what you should have in it, here's a list to get you started. Waders or tall rubber rain boots are great if you have them. Listen to the radio or television for information. 4. Please Contact Us. 2. Bring them upstairs whether or not you're evacuating. Flash floods can occur at any time as a result of a heavy downpour, storm surge, coastal storm, snow, or overflow from a local dam or other waterway. And if you have to … 5. Do not let your children play in flood water. If you have been caught up in the flood waters, keep your mouth closed to avoid swallowing the water. Do not wait for instructions to move. This trend is likely to continue as climate change is incrementally increasing heavy precipitation days every decade. DON'T leave valuables or irreplaceable furniture on the lower levels of your house. A flood warning is more serious than a flood watch, as it is issued when a flood is about to occur or is already happening, says the NWS. Here are a few simple guidelines that will help keep you and your loved ones safer (and drier) should you find yourself in a flood. 2. During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. 9 Ways to Tell the Difference. Remember that flooding is stressful. Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building. If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the followin… 3. And if you have to move any debris, make sure you're wearing gloves. Charles Darwin Notebooks Worth Millions Stolen from Library? To reduce the likelihood of flood damage 1. Be aware of flash flooding. Seek refuge inside on a higher floor. Flood waters also often contain dangerous debris and can easily become an electrified by downed power lines. If a flood is likely in your area, you should: 1. Which City Is the Worst for Fall Allergies This Year? It is normal to feel anxious or upset. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster. What to Do During a Flood Warning. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television outlets. What's perhaps most surprising about flooding disasters is that the majority of them (8 out of 10) occur away from the coastline. Take control of your data. Turn off b… Downed power lines are a huge concern during a flood. Listen to local radio or television stations for up-to-date information. If water starts to rise inside, then get out onto the roof. Driving in flood water significantly increases the risk of drowning. Do not store your important documents in the basement. DO NOT try to wade through water. If your vehicle gets stuck in moving water, stay inside. Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Do not wait for instructions to move. Safety1325 East West HighwaySilver Spring, MD 20910Comments? Do not touch sources of electricity if you are standing in water. If a flood warning turns into a flood emergency, flooding has reached a point where it can cause catastrophic damage. Listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when told to do so. We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good. Keep your radio on to find out what areas are affected, what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to leave your home. DO make sure you have a weather emergency kit packed and ready to go ahead of time. While tornadoes and hurricanes are scary and destructive, when it comes to the most dangerous weather event, they don't hold a candle to floods. 3. National Weather Service