IN AN EMERGENCY: FLOOD
Before a Flood
If you know your home or business is at risk of being flooded view techniques that may help you in sandbagging your property
During a Flood
- Be prepared to evacuate.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur and that you should immediately move to higher ground.
- Tune to your local radio and television stations for emergency information, traffic updates and instructions.
- Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
- Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
- Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground if time permits.
- If you must evacuate, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Evacuation is easier and safer before floodwaters become too deep.
- If local authorities instruct you to do so, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you and to aid in balance.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pick-ups.
- If the waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic, and if necessary, the roof.
- If Outdoors:
- Climb to high ground and stay there.
- Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly,
even water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
During an Evacuation
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too
deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio (which can be a car radio) for
evacuation instructions.
- Follow recommended evacuation routes -- shortcuts may be blocked.
- Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.
After a Flood
- Listen for news reports on whether the community’s water supply is
safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or
raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground
or downed power lines.
- Keep your hands clean.
- Avoid moving water.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened
and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Check the
structural integrity of the building.
- Make sure your natural gas lines are intact. Have an electrician check
your home.
- Never try to walk, swim, drive or play in floodwater.
- Stay out of any building that is surrounded by floodwaters. Use extreme
caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems
as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from flood
water can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Do not drink tab water unless boiled and treated.
When Entering Buildings, 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 collapsing.
- Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that may have
come into your home with the flood waters. Use a stick to poke through
debris.
- Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.
- Take pictures of the damage -- both to the house and its contents
for insurance claims.
*Information provided by the Santa Clara Valley Water Disrict and others.