Stockpile          emergency building materials Install   check   valves   in sewer   traps   to   prevent flood waters from  backing up in sewer drains Plan    and    practice    an evacuation route Have  disaster supplies on hand Develop    an    emergency communication    plan     in case of separation Ask an out-of-state relative to   serve   as   the   "family contact" Teach family members how and  when  to  turn  off  the gas,  electricity,  and  water and teach children how and when to call 1070 / 1077 Ask  your  insurance  agent about flood insurance | During a flood watch: If indoors: Turn on battery operated radio to get latest emergency information Get pre-assembled  emergency supplies If told to leave, do so immediately.   If outdoors: Climb  to  high  ground  and stay there Avoid  walking  through  any floodwaters. If in a car, turn around and go another way; if your car stalls,         abandon         it immediately  and  climb  to higher ground.   During an evacuation: If advised  to  evacuate, do so   immediately   to   avoid flooded roads, being sure to follow            recommended evacuation routes and listen to    radio   for   evacuation instructions | > Don't      return      home      until authorities express   it is safe to do so Help neighbours whom may need assistance  Use    extreme    caution    when entering buildings Inspect foundations for cracks or other   damage   and   examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that may have come into your home with flood waters Watch   for   loose   plaster   and ceilings that could fall Take   pictures   of  damage   for insurance claims Look for fire hazards Throw  away  all  food  (including canned) that has come in contact with flood waters Pump   out  flooded   basements gradually (~ 1/3 amount of water per   day)   to   avoid   structural damage Service  damaged  septic  tanks, cesspools,   pits,   and   leaching systems       damaged    sewage systems are health hazards. |