How to Escape a Flood

Listen to the television or radio. Local stations provide warnings from the National Weather Service. A flood watch means that there is a possibility for a flood to occur. In this case, keep an eye on the weather and be ready to leave if necessary. A flood warning means that a flood is already happening. If you are in the same area as a flood, move to higher ground and never move to an area that does not have an escape route.

Protect your possessions if you evacuate. In the case that there might be a flood, move anything possible outside, such as lawn furniture, into your home. Move important items to the highest floor of the house to prevent them from being swept away in the flood waters. Turn off the electricity to your house before you leave. This will help to prevent electrical damage. If water is already in your home, just leave and do not worry about the electricity. If you handle electrical equipment while standing in water there is a risk of electrocution.

Leave the area if necessary. The opportune time to leave the area of a flood is before it starts. If a flood is coming, secure your home and leave. If the flood has already reached you, do not walk through moving water. Even a few inches of water can make you fall and once you fall you may be swept away by the current. Stay out of water as much as possible. If the only path is through water, try to walk only in still water. If driving is necessary, do not drive through moving water. Even heavy vehicles can be easily swept away in flood waters and if water gets into the engine, it will most likely stall.