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Flash Floods If you live in a mountainous area, or if your flooding comes from a small stream or ditch, your home may be subject to flash flooding. flash floods can occur before the local emergen- cy managers have time to issue a warning, In these cases, the National Weather Service may issue a flash flood watch advis- ing people that conditions are favorable for a flash flood. You may not be notified of a flash flood warning before flooding actually begins. Hurricanes If you live near the coast, you will be asked to evacuate when a hurricane threatens your com- munity. It is important to evacuate when you are asked to. Prepare your hurricane response plan to take into account all of the time that you will need to protect your house before you evacuate. You will need time to board up your windows and to clear your yard so that your belongings will not blow or float away You may also want to take time to move your belongings above the flood protection level. (See Step 8.) Developing a Checklist Your flood response plan should be a checklist of steps to take before floodwaters reach your home. The following are exam- ples of things to include: Cl Listen to your local radio or 1V stations for flood informa- tion and evacuation instructions. o Read the safety precautions on the back cover of this book. o Get into the habit of keeping a full tank of gas in your car, especially at times of the year when flooding can be expect- ed in your area. o Pack the car with supplies you will need while away from home, (See "If You Are Asked to Evacuate," below.) o Put supplies needed for cleanup and recovery in a safe place. (See "If You Are Asked to Evacuate," below.) If your flood protection level is over your top floor, store supplies at a friend's house away from the flood-prone area or take them with you in your car. o Take pets to a kennel or friend's home on high ground. Health codes do not allow animals in public shel- ters. o If you have enough warning time, move the contents of your home above the flood protection level or to another safe place. Some of the cost of doing this can be covered under an NFIP flood insur- ance policy. o Install flood shields and other flood proofing measures you may have prepared. o In hurricane-prone areas, pro- tect against wind damage. Install hurricane shutters or plywood covers over your windows and doors, take down 1V antennas, and securely tie down boats, garbage cans, and everything else left outdoors. o Tape plastic around the cap to your well. This will prevent I,' F,. ,1 5 ,p -- '-" , , , - --- -- -""*--;?-- Prepare for the Next Flood",#) _"",fi'o Flash Flood Warning, Flash Flood Watch If it is raining a lot, or if you are in a moumainous area, it's a good idea to keep listening to local radio or TV stations (not stations in locations away from where you are). If you hear about aflash flood watch for your area, it's a good idea to stay on high ground, If you hear a flash flood warning, climb to higher ground immediately. Leave your car, camping gear, or other belongings where they are. You may have only minutes to escape. Flash floods can happen without warning. If you hear a rumbling sound, if animals are running away from where you are, or if you feel the ground shaking, climb to higher ground immediately. 47