North Shore Fire Department

Preparing For a Flood

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. It’s important to know what to do before, during, and after a flood:

Before a Flood

Have the main breaker or fuse box and utility meters moved above the flood level determined for your neighborhood. Move appliances and valuables out of basements or flood-prone lower levels. Learn how to shut off electricity, gas and water to your home.

Have a Plan

Develop an evacuation plan. Make sure family members know where to go in the event of a flood. Make sure children know the emergency plans.

Prepare a family disaster supplies kit.

During the Flood

Be alert for flood indicators such as rapidly rising water and flooding of highways, bridges and low-lying areas. During a flood warning, take the following precautions:

Evacuate to an area of higher ground immediately if advised to do so.
Stay away from flooded areas, even if the water seems to be receding.
Do not walk, swim or drive through moving water.
Watch for snakes in flooded areas.
Use flashlights instead of candles.
Be aware of potential flash flooding.

After the Flood

Take precautions

Keep an eye on children and make sure they don’t play around high water, storm drains, ravines, or culverts.
Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood water or perishable food that was not refrigerated at a safe temperature.
Use water from safe sources, such as bottled water, until you know that your tap isn’t contaminated. Boiling, disinfecting, or distilling can purify water.
Before re-entering a home damaged from a flood: turn electricity off at the fuse box or main breaker until your home has adequately dried; check for gas leaks; examine your home for fire hazards; inspect the floors, doors, windows and walls for cracks or other damage to make sure the home isn’t in danger of collapsing.

To obtain information on preparing an emergency supplies kit, please refer to the following American Red Cross link: http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_91_,00.html

Please contact our Public Education Office at 228-0292 or jglanz@nsfire.org
should you have any questions.