Flood Safety

Take Precaution During a Flood

When severe flooding threatens your area, there are things you can do to protect your family and property. Here are some actions you can take:

• Avoid fallen power lines.
• Do not smoke or use open flames in your house until you are sure no gas leaks exist.
• Do not walk or drive through standing or flowing water. There might be sinkholes or live electrical wires.
• Even if you plan to stay home, have an evacuation kit ready just in case.
• If you have to leave your house, let out of town relatives know where you are going.
• Turn off the power in your house, including gas tanks.
• Use caution when approaching animals after a disaster. Even domesticated animals can react to stress by biting.
• Watch your step in damaged areas. Slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of injuries after a disaster occurs.

Listen & Watch for Flood Warning Notices!

The National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continually monitor local weather conditions. If major flooding is anticipated within the City, NOAA will broadcast notices like Flood Warning, Urban Flood Advisory or Flash Flood Warning Notices. These notices will be broadcast through television and radio stations such as WIOD 610 a.m. and BIG 105.9 FM. These notices are intended to help residents prepare for the possibility of severe flooding in the neighborhood. The City recommends that residents and businesses tune in to these broadcasts to prepare for flooding when it occurs.

Warning times for these events may be as long as five days for hurricanes, down to one to two hours’ notice for flash floods and urban advisories. The key is to keep aware of these notices when watching, listening to or reading the various media sources.