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Fact Sheet: Floods And Flash Floods

Mitigation pays. It includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in mitigation steps now such as constructing barriers such as levees and purchasing flood insurance will help reduce the amount of structural damage to your home and financial loss from building and crop damage should a flood or flash flood occur.

BEFORE

Find out if you live in a flood-prone area from your local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter.
Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level andlearn about the history of flooding for your region.

Learn flood warning signs and your community alert signals.

Request information on preparing for floods and flash floods.

If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials.
These include plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, hammer and saw, pry bar,shovels, and sandbags.

Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood watersfrom backing up in sewer drains.
As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.

Plan and practice an evacuation route.
Contact the local emergency management office or local American Red Cross chapter for a copy of the community flood evacuation plan.

This plan should include information on the safest routes to shelters. Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several alternative routes.

Have disaster supplies on hand.

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Nonelectric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during floods or flashfloods (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and childrenare at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a flood or flash flood.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and whichradio station to tune to for emergency information.

Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program.
Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance. Homeowners policies do notcover flood damage.

DURING A FLOOD WATCH

• Listen to a batter-operated radio for the latest storm information.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomescontaminated.
• Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
• Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground iftime permits.
• If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities atthe main switch and close the main gas valve.
• Be prepared to evacuate.

DURING A FLOOD

If Indoors:

• Turn on battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergencyinformation.
• Get your preassembled emergency supplies.
• If told to leave, do so immediately.

If Outdoors:

• Climb to high ground and stay there.
• Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly, even water 6inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

If In A Car:

• If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.

DURING AN EVACUATION

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too deep forordinary vehicles to drive through.
• Listen to a batter-operated radio for evacuation instructions.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes--shortcuts may be blocked.
• Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.

AFTER

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio ortelevision and don't return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.

Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.

When entering buildings, use extreme caution.

• Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights whenexamining buildings.
• Examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure that the building is notin danger of collapsing.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that may have come into your home with the flood waters. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.
• Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents for insuranceclaims.

Look for fire hazards.

• Broken or leaking gas lines
• Flooded electrical circuits
• Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances
• Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream

Throw away food--including canned goods--that has come in contact withflood waters.

Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) toavoid structural damage.

Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.

INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window andquickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you canand call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas forany reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if yousmell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If youhave to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electricianfor advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoidusing the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water companyand avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

• Backgrounder
• How The Public Can Help After A Disaster
• National Flood Insurance Program
• Flood Mitigation

Take Precautions During and After Flooding
Courtesy of Washington State Department of Health

OLYMPIA,March 19, 1997 -- Drowning has been the number one cause of deaths related to flooding in Washington this year, according to the state Department of Health. The best way to prevent harm during a flood is to be prepared with information and supplies.

Remember that flood conditions change rapidly and severe flooding can develop in minutes. Flood water levels can be much deeper than they appear. The depth of water may be difficult to assess. Only two feet of water can cause a car to be swept away, and as little as six inches can cause unstable footing.

"Never assume the situation is safe," said Eric Slagle, assistant secretary of environmental health at state Department of Health. "Do not walk or drive through flood waters. More people drown in their cars during a flood than anywhere else."

Floods and storms can also knock down power lines. If you lose power, never use a gas oven, range, barbecue, hibachi or portable propane heater to heat your home. These units give off deadly carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning has caused several deaths during previous storms this year.

If you see downed power lines, do not try to repair or grab them. Even when flood water levels appear to have subsided, electrical currents can travel through the remaining water for more than 100 yards. Contact your utility company or police department to report downed power lines.

If your well has been flooded, assume the water in your home has been contaminated. If you are on a public water system, listen to your radio and television for news from public health departments to find out if your water is contaminated. If water is contaminated, bottled water is the best choice. If you can, get commercially bottled water that has been stored for less than 6 months in tightly sealed containers. Plan for one gallon per person per day.

Flood waters may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical waste. Wash your hands frequently with soap and disinfected water to prevent spread of disease. This should be done before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, and after flood clean up when your hands may have touched articles contaminated from water or sewage. When in doubt, throw out fresh, frozen or dry food, such as cereal, that may have been in contact with the water.

If you can, wear gloves and boots at all times to avoid touching anything with bare hands or feet. Parents should not allow children to play in flood areas and should ensure that their children wash hands often.

To be better prepared for an emergency, keep a battery operated radio and a flashlight on hand. For more information, contact your local health department or emergency management agency.

IF YOUR HOME IS FLOODED

• Be sure utilities are off. Don't turn them on until notified.
• Avoid weakened structures, particularly floors, walls and rooftops to avoid structural damage.
• Do not pump basement out until flood water recedes.

DRINKING WATER
If your well has been flooded, assume the water in your home has been contaminated. Follow the directions on the right side of this page to disinfect your well.

If you are on public water, your local health jurisdiction will let you know, through local media, if your water is not safe to drink.

Bottled water is the best choice. If you can, get commercially bottled water that has been stored for less than 6 months in tightly sealed containers. Plan for one gallon per person per day.

If the water from your tap is clear-

• Boil it for 3 minutes to disinfect. This kills disease-causing bacteria and parasites, or
• Add 1/8 teaspoon household bleach per gallon of water. Let it sit for 1/2 hour.

If water is cloudy -

• Filter it by pouring it thru a coffee filter and then boil it for 3 minutes.
• If you can't boil it, filter it and add 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach per gallon of water. Let it sit for 1 hour.

CLEAN-UP/HYGIENE

• Wash your hands often using soap and disinfected water.
• Make sure hands are washed:
• when preparing or eating food.
• after using the toilet
• during and after handling contaminated items in flood cleanup activities.
• Wear gloves and boots. Do not touch anything with bare hands. Be careful not to step on glass.

TOILET
Until sewage disposal systems are back to normal, use any large container lined with a plastic bag and covered with a tight-fitting lid, as a temporary toilet.

Add: 1/4 cup of unscented chlorine bleach or disinfectant after each use to kills germs and stop odor.

ANIMALS
Do not trap or corner wild animals. Sick or injured animals may be dangerous.

FOOD

·  Throw out fresh or frozen food that has come into contact with flood water.

·  Throw out food that has not been properly refrigerated-

·  "If in doubt...throw it out!"

·  Undamaged canned goods are o.k. but before opening disinfect cans in a dilute bleach solution.

BUILDING CLEANUP:

·  Wear waterproof boots and gloves. Open all doors and windows. Use fans is possible to air out the building.

·  First: clean walls, hard surfaced floors and household surfaces with soap and water. Make sure dirt and mud are gone.

·  Then, wipe everything down with solution of one cup household bleach to disinfect.Wash all clothes and linens in hot water. Throw away mattresses and stuffed furniture. It cannot be adequately cleaned, even with steam.

HOW TO DISINFECT A WELL
Use bleach to disinfect. Follow the instructions below for dug or drilled wells to determine how much bleach to use. If you know how much water is in your well, add bleach for that amount of water. If you don't know, add bleach amount for the depth of your well.

DUG WELLS: Make a solution of bleach water using the amounts of bleach and water shown below. Pour bleach in 10 gallons of water. Mix thoroughly. Splash on casing inside well. Seal top. Open faucet. Let run until you can smell bleach at the faucet. Close faucets. Let set overnight. Next day, open faucets. Let water run slowly until bleach smell is gone. Add bleach as follows:

Diameter of well    Add bleach 

is 4 ft.            3 cups per ft. of water

is 6 ft.            6 cups per ft. of water

is 8 ft.            12 cups per ft. water

Example: If a well has a diameter of 6 feet, is 15 feet deep, and has 5 feet of water in it, add 30 cups of bleach. (6 cups x 5 feet of water).

DRILLED WELLS: Make a solution of bleach water using the amounts of bleach and water shown below. Remove the well seal. Pour the bleach solution into the well. Connect hose and spray inside of well casing for 15 minutes. Turn on water taps in house. Let it run until you can smell bleach at faucets. Turn water off. Let stand overnight. Next day, open faucets. Let water run slowly until bleach smell is gone.

To make bleach solution: Find out how many gallons of water are in your well. For every 100 gallons of water in your well, add a mixture of: 3 cups bleach in 10 gallons of water.

If well diameter is     It  holds this much water

6 inches                1.5 gallons water per foot

8 inches                2.5 gallons water per foot

10 inches               4 gallons water per foot

12 inches               6 gallons of water per foot

If well has                Add/Mix

150 gal.water           4.5 cups bleach in 15 gal. water

50 gal. water           1.5 cups bleach in 5 gal. water

FOR SAFETY
After you disinfect your well, have a sample of your tap water tested at your local health department. Before you drink the water, make sure 2 samples are rated satisfactory, to ensure it is safe and free of contamination.

CARS
Never try to drive through floodwater. Water can be deeper than it appears, and water levels can rise very quickly. If a car stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground.

CARBON MONOXIDE
If you lose power during or after a flood, NEVER USE a gas oven, range, barbecue, hibachi or portable propane heater to heat your home. These units use up the oxygen you need to breathe and give off deadly carbon monoxide which have caused people to die from suffocation.

Returning Home After a Disaster

• The Emergency Response and Salvage Wheels are sliding charts designed for the staff  at archives, libraries, and museums. They are also useful tools for home or business. When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes the wheel information will help you deal with items damaged by water, whether from flood, fire, earthquakes, severe storms or broken pipes.
• Check For Hazards When Returning Home
  
  
• After a Flood: The First Steps
  
  
• Environmental, Health, Safety Concerns

Special thanks to our partner organizations: the National Task Force on Emergency Response, American Institute for Conservation and the Heritage Preservation for making this important information available to people attempting to reclaim flood-damaged items.

Check For Hazards When Returning Home

Going back into your home can be dangerous because flooding can cause structural, electrical and other hazards.
Physical dangers are not necessarily over after the water goes down. Hazards are not always obvious. They can be potentially life-threatening if precautions are not taken.

Please be mindful of the following safety tips when returning home after a flood, hurricane or severe storm:

• Check your home before you go in. Carefully check outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. See if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. If you see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.
• Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make certain your house's power supply is disconnected.
• If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.
• Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls.
• Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy and dangerous if it falls.
• Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee.

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After a Flood: The First Steps

After a Flood: The First Steps, 191K, PDF document

Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist.. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead.

• Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
• Keep listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go, or places to avoid.
• Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded --
• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
• Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings andinformation. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.

Staying Healthy

• A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
• Rest often and eat well.
• Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
• Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area.

Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home

• Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
• Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home. It will tell you:
• How to enter your home safely.
• How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.
• How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.
• How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.
• How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.

Repairing Your Flooded Home is available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency manager.

Getting Help

• The American Red Cross can help you by providing you with a voucher to purchase new clothing, groceries, essential medications, bedding, essential furnishings, and other items to meet emergency needs. Listen to the radio to find out where to go for assistance, or look up American Red Cross in the phone book and call.
• The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
• Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
• Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organizations.
• If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, be sure they are qualified to do the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home. Check references.

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Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert

Courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207 Safety Tips for Flood Victims
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends several safety tips to the victims of floods. This safety alert illustrates some dangerous practices which consumers may be tempted to engage in during efforts to rebuild or while staying in temporary housing, tents, or partially damaged homes. This information is provided in an effort to prevent injuries and deaths from consumer products as flood survivors make new beginnings. "We hope this information helps prevent product-related injuries and deaths during these difficult times." -- Chairman Ann Brown

Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.

If electrical appliances have been under water, have them dried out and reconditioned by a qualified service repairman. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because the electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire. Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use.

Electricity and water don't mix.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.

When using a "wet-dry vacuum cleaner," be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid electric shock.

Do not allow the power cord connections to become wet. Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the three-prong plug. Use a GFCI to prevent electrocution.

NEVER remove or bypass the ground pin on a three-pronged plug in order to insert it into a non-grounded outlet.

NEVER allow the connection between the machine's power cord and the extension cord to lie in water.

To prevent a gas explosion and fire, have gas appliances (natural gas and LP gas) inspected and cleaned after flooding.

If gas appliances have been under water, have them inspected and cleaned and their gas controls replaced. The gas company or a qualified appliance repair person or plumber should do this work. Water can damage gas controls so that safety features are blocked, even if the gas controls appear to operate properly. If you suspect a gas leak, don't light a match, use any electrical appliance, turn lights on or off, or use the phone. These may produce sparks. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or hear gas escaping, turn off the main valve, open windows, leave the area immediately, and call the gas company or a qualified appliance repair person or plumber for repairs. Never store flammable materials near any gas appliance or equipment.

Check to make sure your smoke detector is functioning. Smoke detectors can save your life in a fire. Check the battery frequently to make sure it is operating. Fire extinguishers also are a good idea.

Gasoline is made to explode!

Never use gasoline around ignition sources such as cigarettes, matches, lighters, water heaters, or electric sparks. Gasoline vapors can travel and be ignited by pilot light or other ignition sources. Make sure that gasoline powered generators are away from easily combustible materials.

Chain saws can cause serious injuries. Chain saws can be hazardous, especially if they "kick back." To help reduce this hazard, make sure that your chain saw in equipped with the low-kickback chain. Look for other safety features on chain saws, including hand guard, safety tip, chain brake, vibration reduction system, spark arrestor on gasoline models, trigger or throttle lockout, chain catcher, and bumper spikes. Always wear shoes, gloves, and protective glasses. On new saws, look for certification to the ANSI B-175.1 standard.

When cleaning up from a flood, store medicines and chemicals away from young children. Poisonings can happen when young children swallow medicines and household chemicals.
Keep household chemicals and medicines locked up away from children. Use the child resistant closures that come on most medicines and chemicals.

Burning charcoal gives off carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide has no odor and can kill you. Never burn charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, cars, trucks, garages, or mobile homes.

WARNING: Submerged gas control valves, circuit breakers, and fuses pose explosion and fire hazard!

Replace all gas control valves, circuit breakers, and fuses that have been under water:

GAS CONTROL VALVES on furnaces, water heaters, and other gas appliances that have been under water are unfit for continued use. If they are used, they could cause a fire or an explosion. Silt and corrosion from flood water can damage internal components of control valves and prevent proper operation. Gas can leak and result in an explosion or fire. Replace ALL gas control valves that have been under water.

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSES can malfunction when water and silt get inside. Discard ALL circuit breakers and fuses that have been submerged.

How to File a Flood Insurance Claim When Your Property Is Damaged By A Flood

If possible, photograph the outside of the premises, showing the flooding and the damage. Also, photograph the inside of the premises, showing the damaged property and the height of the water.

If you have flood insurance, start by calling your insurance agent to report your claim. The agent will prepare a Notice of Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you.

Separate the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the best possible order for the adjuster's examination. If reasonably possible, protect the property from further damage.

When the adjuster visits your property, let him or her know if you need an advance or partial payment of loss. Again, good records can assist the NFIP in giving you an advance payment. Use your inventory to work with the adjuster in presenting your claim.

Damaged property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper local clean-up operations should be disposed of. Be sure to adequately describe discarded items so that, when the adjuster examines your losses and your records, these article are included in the documentation.

Good records speed up settlement of your claim. Compile a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods, and include manufacturer's names, dates and places of purchases, and prices. Try to locate receipts or proofs of purchase, especially for major appliances, and note manufacturers' names, serial numbers, prices, and dates of purchase.

Myths and Facts About the NFIP

What You Need to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance