Pre-Storm Preparations

• Flood Watch vs. Warning: A flood watch is issued when there are favorable conditions present that could possibly lead to a flood. A watch doesn’t mean a flood is guaranteed, but that you should be aware and prepared. Alternatively, a flood warning is issued when flood conditions are imminent or already taking place. This necessitates taking action.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Sign up to receive alerts when there are possible flood, high wind and landslide conditions in your area. You can receive these notifications from the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service or often through your local news and weather forecast provider.
• Emergency Communications Plan: Having a communications plan in place that includes important contact persons, safe meeting locations and other important phone numbers can help reduce confusion in the event of a flood or landslide.
• Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit stocked and ready for a flood. Include items such as basic first aid supplies, blankets, batteries, a NOAA weather radio and enough food and water to last at least three days.
• Prepare for Flooding: If you receive advanced warning of an impending flood, you may have time to protect your building with sandbags or other materials designed to prevent water intrusion. Check-valves can also be installed in the building’s plumbing system to prevent flood waters from backing up into the building’s drains. Finally, any valuable items should be moved to upper floors or out of the premises to protect them from flood waters.
• Be Ready for High Winds: If time permits, trim tree branches away from your building and surrounding power lines. Tie down or put away loose items outside so they do not blow away or damage your building and secure any loose gutters or shutters.
• Know Your Landslide Risk: A previous landslide in your area is the biggest risk factor for another taking place. Historic landslide maps and the national landslide susceptibility map are available through the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to identify the risk to your specific property. Professional property surveys can also be conducted to better understand the risk a landslide poses to your property.

During a Storm

• Stay Informed and Obey Evacuation Orders: Listen to a weather radio if available to stay up to date on weather and road conditions. If you’re told to evacuate, do so immediately and seek a safer area.
• Get to Higher Ground: If flooding is imminent, leave the property for higher ground if possible. If you’re unable to leave the building, make your way to upper floors or onto the roof if absolutely necessary.
• Avoid Flood Waters: Avoid walking or driving your vehicle through moving flood waters. It takes a lot less moving water than you might imagine to sweep you off your feet or trap your vehicle.
• Watch for Signs of Landslides: Keep an eye out for signs of an impending landslide such as tilted or bent trees, cracks in the ground, sunken or broken roads, or movement of soil away from your foundation. Evacuate immediately if any of these signs are present.

After a Storm

• Avoid Flood Waters and Disaster Areas: Continue to avoid moving water and avoid visiting disaster areas as your presence could get in the way of rescue or cleanup efforts.
• Avoid Electrocution: If water is still present in the building, avoid entering any areas where outlets, cords or electrical wiring are submerged to avoid electrocution. Pay attention to any buzzing, cracking or snapping sounds that may be caused by electrical arcing.
• Wait for the All-Clear: Do not enter storm damaged areas or buildings until authorities have issued an all-clear message and given permission to re-enter.

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For additional severe weather safety resources, be sure to visit our Severe Weather Preparedness Page.

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