Washington County
Public Information Office
Flood Preparedness Guidelines
The Washington County Emergency Preparedness Office and the Federal Emergency Preparedness Agency offer these tips for flood preparedness.
- Go to higher ground during floods. Moving water only 6 inches deep can knock you off your feet.
- Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your community’s flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground. Talk to your household about flooding. Plan a place to meet your household in case you are separated from one another in a disaster and cannot return home. Choose an out-of-town contact for everyone to call to say they are okay. In some emergencies, calling outof- state is possible even when local phone lines are down.
- Determine how you would care for household members who may live elsewhere but might need your help in a flood. Determine any special needs your neighbors might have.
- Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water. See the “Emergency Planning and Disaster Supplies” chapter for more information.
- Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilot lights are located and how the heating system works.
- Keep supplies on hand for an emergency. Remember a battery operated NOAA Weather
- Radio with a tonealert feature and extra batteries. Listen to radio or television stations for local information updates.
- During a flood, be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warning signs as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:
- Secure your home. If you have time, tie down or bring outdoor equipment and lawn
- furniture inside. Move essential items to the upper floors. If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Before filling the tub, sterilize it with a diluted bleach solution.
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water will wash away almost all vehicles. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as floodwaters rise.
- After a flood, avoid floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Stay away from designated disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Stay out of buildings if surrounded by floodwaters. Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.