Fire Safety

Thunderstorm Safety

Flood Awareness

Hurricane Safety

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FLOOD AWARENESS SAFETY TIPS

~ During the Flood ~ Travel with Care ~ After the Flood ~

10 ACTION TO TAKE BEFORE A FLOOD

MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO,TV OR EMERGENCY BROADCAST STATION. LISTEN FOR FLOOD WATCH, WARNING ADVISORY STATEMENTS INFORMATION INFORMANTION.

  1.  Learn the safest route from your home business,should you have to leave in a hurry.
  2. Develop and practice a "Family Escape" plan and identify a meeting place if a family members become separated.
  3. Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property.
  4. stock pile emergency supplies of food, medicine, first aidsupplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in a clean closed containers.
  5. Don't forget to plan for your pets.
  6. Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlights in working order, and BATTERIES BATTERIERS.
  7. Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, service stationmay not be able to pump fuel for several days.
  8. Find out how many feet your property is above or below possable flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
  9. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water proofing.
  10. If flooding is likely and there is time, move essential items and furniturn to upper floors in then house. Disconnect electrical appliances that cant be moved...DO NOT TOUCH THEM IF YOU ARE WET OR STANDING IN WATER.

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Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowner's insurance, but flood insureance is available in particpating communities through the federally sponsored National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your local licensed insurance broker for more infomantion.  REMEMBER, THERE IS A FIVE DAY WAITING PERIOD FOR COVERAGE TO TAKE EFFECT. DONT WAIT UNTILL THE LAST MINUTE!

DURING THE FLOOD

  1. Monitor NOAA weather radio, TV, or Emergency Broadcast System for information.
  2. IF LOCAL OFFICALS ADVISE EVACUTION, DO SO PROMPTLY.
  3. IF DIRECTED TO A SPECIFIC LOCATION, GO THERE.
  4. USE RECOMMENDED EMERGENCY ROUTES.
  5. KNOW WHERE THERE ARE SHELTERS ARE.
  6. Secure yoru home before leaveing.
  7. Bring outside possessions inside the house or secure them.
  8. Disconnect any electrical appliance or equipment that cannt be moved... but do not touch them if you are wet, or standing in water.
  9. Lock the doors and windows.

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TRAVEL WITH CARE

  1. Have a small Disaster Supply Kit in the trunk of yoru car.
  2. Leave early to avoid being marooed on flooded roads.
  3. Make certain that you have enought fuel for your car.
  4. Follow recommended routs.
  5. As you travel keep monitoring NOAA weather radio, TV or Emergency Alert Station for information.
  6. Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer main, loose or downed electrical wires and falling to fallen objects.
  7. Watch out for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly flood.
  8. DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road.

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AFTER THE FLOOD

  1. Before entering the building, check for structural damage. Turn off any outside gaslines at the meter or tank. Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
  2. Upon entering the building, use battery powered flashlight. DO NOT use a open flame as a souce of light. Gas may be trapped inside.
  3. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires before making certain the main power switch off. DO NOT turn on electrical appliances untill an electrician has checked the system.
  4. Throw away any medicine or food that has had contact with the flood water.
  5. Test drinking water for potability. Wells should be pumped out and water tested for drinking.
  6. If the public water system has been declared "unsafe" by health officials. water for cooking and drinking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes. In an emergency, water may be obtained from the hot water tank or by melting ice cubes.
  7. Shovel out mud, with special attention to cleaning heating and plumbing systems.
  8. Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible. structural damage can occur if drained too quickly. When surrounding waters have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages, about 1/3 of the water volume each day.
  9. DO NOT handle electrical equipment in wet areas. It should be checked and dried before use.
  10. Report broken utility lines to police, fire or other appropriate authorities.

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