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Floods will often develop slowly while others happen within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain. Being prepared before flooding or flash flooding can save your life and give you peace of mind.

Before a Flood

Know your risk. Know if your home, business or school is in a floodplain. If it is, then find out where water collects on roadways and the fastest way to get to higher ground.
Know your forecast. Make sure you know when rain is in the forecast by listening to radio or television reports, social media or by the NOAA Weather Radio.
Sign up for notifications. The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service provides RSS feeds for observed forecasts and river conditions to help keep the public informed about local water conditions.
Assemble an emergency kit. It is important to have enough food, water and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least three days in the cast of an emergency. Water service may be interrupted or unsafe to drink, especially during a flood. Food requiring little cooking and no refrigeration may be needed if electric power is interrupted. This kit should also include batteries, blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio easily available.
Prepare your home. If you have advance notice before a flood, you can protect your home from flood waters by filling sandbags and other materials, and then placing them in front of your home. Ensure that your homeowners insurance covers flooding before the storm occurs. Have a professional install check-valves in plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home.
Prepare your family/pets. If heavy rain is in the forecast and you live in an area susceptible to flooding, pack in advance in case you must be evacuated. Don’t wait until the last moment to gather the essentials for yourself, your family and/or your pets.
Charge your essential electronics. Make sure your cell phone and portable radios are charged in case you lose power or need to evacuate. Also keep back-up batteries on hand.
Leave. If it is likely that your home will flood, don’t wait to be ordered to leave. Make alternative plans for a place to stay. If you have pets, take them with you or make arrangements to board them at a facility well away from the flooding danger.

During a Flood

Stay informed. Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible. Check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
Get to higher ground. If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
Obey evacuation orders. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. If it is safe to do so and you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
Practice electrical safety: Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises, get out! Stay out of any water that may have electricity in it.
Avoid flood waters. Don’t walk through flood waters as it only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point. Don’t drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out roads, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV, while 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

After a Flood

Stay informed. Make sure to get the latest information on road conditions. Ensure water is safe to drink, cook or clean with after a flood. If it is not, then authorities may ask you to boil water for a while. Utility companies often have apps to update you on getting service back. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms when areas are dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.
Avoid flood waters. Standing water hides many dangers, including toxins and chemicals. There may also be sharp objects under the water, or the road could have collapsed.
Avoid disaster areas. Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
Heed road closed and cautionary signs. These are put in place for your safety, so pay close attention to them.
Wait for the all clear: Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you are given the all clear by authorities. If you enter a flood damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can cause ceilings to fall or the ground to give out. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off. Have the power company or a qualified electrician fix wires. Contact your insurance to discuss property damage.

Source: NWS
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Story Image: Flooding in the Midwest, June 2008 (Don Becker, USGS)

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Flood Safety Tips: Before, During and After