FLOOD SAFETY PROCEDURES
If you live in a flood zone, you should have a disaster plan ready:
Have a disaster plan ready
Make pre-arranged plans for safe removal of pets and livestock
Store valuables in a safe place off-site
Have an overnight bag packed
Have phone numbers of safe places to stay in the event of evacuation
Have your town's 24 hour emergency line phone number available
Be prepared for power cuts and loss of phone service
Move pets and vehicles to a safe area
Place a sandbag over the toilet bowl
Raise furniture and possessions off the floor
Ventilate the property
Plug sinks and bathtubs
Evacuation orders
Authorities will not ask you to leave your home
unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.
If you are ordered to evacuate, take your emergency kit, essential medications,
copies of prescriptions and a cellular phone (if you have one) with you.
If you have time, call or e-mail your out-of-town contact.
Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
Once you are safe, let them know. Tell them if any family members have become separated.
If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you are.
Shut off water and electricity if officials tell you to.
Leave natural gas service 'on' unless officials tell you to turn it off.
(If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it.
In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond.
You would be without gas for heating and cooking).
Plan to take your pets with you to a relative or friend's home,
or identify a "pet-friendly" hotel or pet boarding facilities
or emergency shelter in advance.
Lock your home.
If in any doubt of your safety,
take measures to protect yourself
and call 911 immediately.
