Before a Flood• Avoid building in a floodplain. • Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your home. • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage. • If a flood is likely in your area, listen to the radio or television for information. • Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible. A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon. When a Flood Is Imminent• Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to include needed medications. • If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.• If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. • If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor. • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. During a Flood• Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water can make you fall. • If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, 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. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. After a Flood• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. • Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. • Avoid moving water. • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. • Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company. • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards. • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. Source: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency