HURRICANE
FLOODING
INFORMATION

If you understand the danger of flash flooding and know what immediate action to take, you can save your life and your family's. Follow these rules.

Before the flood ...


•Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and other waterways. •Make advance plans of what you will do and where you will go in a flash flood emergency.


When a flash flood watch is issued for your area


•Listen to area radio and television stations and NOAA weather radio for possible flash flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress from the National Weather Service and public safety agencies. •Be prepared to move out of danger's way at a moment's notice. •If you are on a road, watch for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. •Watch for signs (thunder, lightning) of distant heavy rainfall.


When a flash flood warning is issued or your area


•Act quickly to save yourself and those who depend on you. You may have only seconds. •Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot where water is above your knees. •If you are driving, don't try to drive through water of unknown depth. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may sweep the vehicle and its occupants away. •Many deaths have been caused by attempts to move stalled vehicles. •Keep children away from floodwaters near culverts and storm drains. •Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. •When you are out of immediate danger, tune in the area radio and television stations and NOAA weather radio station for additional information as conditions change and new reports are received.


In remote areas


•Stay away from natural streambeds, arroyos, and other drainage channels during and after rainstorms. Water runs off the higher elevations very rapidly. •Never camp on low ground. A flash flood can catch you while you sleep. •Use your maps. Know where you are and where you can find higher ground. •Stay out of flooded areas.

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