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Step 1
Find out if you live in a flood zone. Call the Red Cross or the local planning and zoning department in the area for the flooding statistics.
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Step 2
Find the evacuation centers for flood victims in the area. Make a map and a plan to meet family members at the evacuation site if flooding occurs.
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Step 3
Get flood insurance for your home and possessions. Renter's insurance is a good idea if you don't own the home, the landlord will be responsible for structural damage, but not replacement of personal items lost in a flood.
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Step 4
Get a safe deposit box at a bank in the area for safekeeping important insurance papers and small valuables.
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Step 5
Get a supply of cinder blocks or bricks for putting large pieces of furniture or electronics on during a flash flood. The only way to save some possessions is by getting them to higher ground. If a flood is imminent, having bricks on hand can save some expensive items.
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Step 1
Move furniture and all other valuables to higher ground. Even washer and dryer units can be saved from flood waters by placing them on cinder blocks or bricks as soon as water starts to rise or a flash flood warning is issued.
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Step 2
Evacuate the home or building as soon as a flash flood warning is issued or you see flood waters rising quickly. Head for higher ground if there is no evacuation center in the area.
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Step 3
Drive for higher ground, careful not to drive through standing water. A vehicle will lose traction and stall in only a few inches of standing water. It only takes a foot of moving water to wash a stalled vehicle downstream. Abandon a stalled car in rising flood water and walk or run to higher ground.
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Step 4
Stay away from standing water left by a flood as well as water that is still receding. Flood water is full of river bacteria and road grime and dirt from car engines. Swimming or playing in flood water can cause life-threatening infections and illnesses.
