Staying current with forecasts from the National Weather Service can be an important part of flood preparedness. Individuals can purchase a NOAA weather radio to directly hear the forecasts, advisories, watches and/or warnings. Some NOAA weather radios can alarm when there is a serious/dangerous weather condition. These radios are available at many stores.

The following terms may be used by the National Weather service:

• A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area.
  
• A Flash Flood or Flood Warning means that flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent - take necessary steps at once.
• An Urban and Small Stream Advisory means that flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas (such as railroad underpasses and urban storms drains) is occurring.
• A Flash Flood or Flood Statement is follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event.

Before a flood occurs. . .

Find out if you live in a flood prone area. You can check with your local building department to see the flood maps for your municipality. If you are in a flood zone - purchase sufficient flood insurance.

Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowner's insurance. Learn how your community would alert you if a flood was occurring or predicted.

Pre-assemble flood-fighting supplies like plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags. Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

As a last resort have large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins from water rising up through the pipes.

Maintain a disaster supply kit at home.

A kit will have (at minimum): • First aid supplies • Flashlight with extra batteries • Non-perishable food • Drinking water • Blanket(s) or sleeping bag(s) • Rain gear or a change of clothing

During the flood . . .

• Monitor commercial radio, television, NOAA Weather radio or your Emergency Alerting Station for information
• Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if ordered to do so by authorities
• Adhere to any emergency orders of authorities
• Bring possessions inside the house or secure them
• Do not touch any electrical appliances that are wet or standing in water
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters

After the flood . . .

• If food or medicine has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.
• Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building
• When entering buildings after a flood use extreme caution
  • Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings
  • Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapse
  • Watch out for animals, like snakes, that may have come into your home with flood waters
  • Take pictures of the damage - both of the house and its contents for insurance claims.
• Look for fire hazards
  • Broken or leaking gas lines
  • Flooded electrical circuits
  • Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances -
  • Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream -
• Report potential emergencies to authorities.
• It's best to have a professional pump out a basement - to avoid further structural damage. FEMA recommends pumping out about one-third of the water per day.