SWEPT - FLOOD

Be Prepared - Stay Calm - Follow Emergency Guidelines

Before a Flood:

Flood Insurance:
Consider purchasing flood insurance, as standard homeowners' insurance typically does not cover flooding.
does not cover flooding.

Emergency Contacts:
Save emergency contacts in your phone and have a list of important numbers,
including local emergency services, on hand.

Know Your Area:
Understand the flood risk in your area, and know the elevation of your property in
relation to nearby bodies of water.

Elevate Valuables:

Store important documents, valuables, and irreplaceable items in a waterproof container and elevate them above potential flood levels.

Community Alerts:

During a Flood:

Stay Informed:
Keep monitoring weather updates and official announcements.
Use a NOAA Weather Radio for real-time information.

Safe Shelter:
Move to higher ground if flooding is imminent.
If you are in a vehicle and encounter a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route.

Turn Off Utilities:
Switch off gas, electricity, and water supplies before evacuating, if possible.

Elevate Valuables:

Store important documents, valuables, and irreplaceable items in a waterproof
container and elevate them above potential flood levels.

Evacuate Early:

If authorities recommend evacuation, do so early to avoid being cut off by floodwaters.

Communication:

Stay in touch with family and friends to let them know you are safe.
Follow social media and local news for updates.

After a Flood:

Assess the Damage:
Check for structural damage before entering a building.
Take photographs of damage for insurance claims.

Avoid Contaminated Water:
Do not use tap water until authorities confirm it is safe.
Be cautious of waterborne diseases in floodwaters.

Protect Yourself:
Wear protective gear (gloves, boots) when cleaning up after a flood.
Avoid contact with floodwater as it may contain hazardous materials.

Document Damage:

Document and list damaged items for insurance claims. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs.

Seek Assistance:

Contact local authorities, emergency services, or relief organizations for assistance if needed.
If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance provider promptly.

Mental Health:

Floods can be traumatic; seek support if needed from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

Always remember that your safety is the top priority during a flood. Following these guidelines can help mitigate risks and protect both you and your property.

Checklist and Supplies

Preparing for Floods.

Flood Plan
Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
Plan your evacuation route. Have an alternate route. Leave when ordered to.
Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet
If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site

Flood Plan

Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

Plan your evacuation route. Have an alternate route. Leave when ordered to.

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet

If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site