Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
It’s important to follow the safety tips below in case you are in an area with severe and dangerous flooding.
Before a flood, keep certain items on hand at all times in your home and/or office:
- Three day supply (at least) of food
- Three day supply (at least) of water
- First aid kit and medication
- Extra batteries
- Radio (battery powered or hand crank)
- Flashlight
- Extra cash
- Copies of personal documents
- Extra blankets
- Maps
- Tools
- Extra cell phone charger units
- Emergency contact information
- Be sure to replenish after you have used the supplies
- Head for higher ground if there are flood/flash flood warnings
- Be prepared to evacuate
- Stay on top of weather and news updates
- If you have time, unplug all appliances and disconnect the utilities
- Do not get near floodwater. If you’re driving, turn around and go another direction. If you can’t do that, abandon your car as it can easily get swept up in a flood.
- Return home only when the area has been declared safe
- Continue to stay tuned to your local news station for updates
- Update your friends and family so they know you are safe
- Continue to avoid flood water as best as possible as water can become contaminated
- If you smell gas upon entering your home, call the fire department immediately
- Wear protective clothing while cleaning up
- Make sure your electrical system has been turned off
- Throw out any items that have come in contact with contaminated water