12 Months to Personal Preparedness - January

FLOOD/STORMS
Each year, severe storms can cause flash floods, contaminate the drinking water supply, disrupt electrical service, and damage homes and contents. They also can strand individuals playing near or crossing streams, rivers, flood control channels, and intersections.

Before a Flood Warning or Watch
Be prepared to respond to flooding by taking the following actions before the rains and flooding begin:

• Assemble emergency supply kits for your home, place of work, and vehicle.
• Store the following materials for protecting your home in a location away from potential flooding: sandbags, plastic sheeting, plywood, lumber.
• Store a seven-day supply of water (at least one gallon per person, per day) in closed, clean containers.
• Teach children not to play in or near rivers, streams, or other areas of potential flooding.
• Maintain fuel in your cars; electrical outages might make gasoline pumps inoperable.
• Identify safety routes from your home or work place to high, safe ground. Determine whether you can use these routes during flooding or storms. Be familiar with your geographic surroundings.
• Check with Public Works, and/or the Community Development Department to see if you live in an area subject to flooding.
• Clear debris and overgrowth from on-site drainage facilities.
• Notify Public Works about debris and overgrowth in public drainage facilities.
• Work with neighbors to solve potential drainage problems and to avoid diverting debris onto their properties. Consult a licensed civil engineer if you are in doubt.
• Identify an out-of state contact so that friends and relatives can obtain information and your condition and whereabouts.

Avoid floodwater. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage, it is especially important to keep the water out of your mouth, eyes, and nose. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you are exposed to floodwaters.