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Be Red Cross Ready Safety Checklist

Know the Difference are among the most frequent and costly natural . Conditions that cause floods include heavy or Flood/ Watch —Flooding or flash flooding is possible in steady for several hours or days your area. that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising Flood/Flash —Flooding or flash flooding is already along a or low-lying area. occurring or will occur soon in your area.

What should I do? What supplies do I need? What do I do after a flood?

J Listen to area radio and television Ë Water—at least a 3-day supply; one Ë Return home only when officials have stations and a NOAA Radio for gallon per person per day declared the area safe. possible flood warnings and reports of Ë —at least a 3-day supply of non- Ë Before entering your home, look outside flooding in progress or other critical perishable, easy-to-prepare food for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, information from the National Weather foundation cracks or other damage. Service (NWS). Ë Flashlight Ë Parts of your home may be collapsed or J Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s Ë Battery-powered or hand-crank radio damaged. Approach entrances carefully. notice. (NOAA , if possible) See if porch roofs and overhangs have all J When a flood or is Ë Extra batteries their supports. issued for your area, head for higher Ë Ë Watch out for wild animals, especially ground and stay there. kit poisonous snakes that may have come Ë J Stay away from floodwaters. If you come Medications (7-day supply) and medical into your home with the floodwater. upon a flowing stream where water is items (hearing aids with extra batteries, Ë If you smell natural or propane gas or above your ankles, stop, turn around and glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane) hear a hissing noise, leave immediately go another way. Six inches of swiftly Ë Multi-purpose tool and call the department. moving water can sweep you off of your Ë feet. and personal hygiene items Ë If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing J If you come upon a flooded road while Ë Copies of personal documents water. driving, turn around and go another way. (medication list and pertinent medical If you are caught on a flooded road and information, deed/lease to home, birth Ë Keep children and pets away from are rising rapidly around you, get certificates, policies) hazardous sites and floodwater. out of the car quickly and move to higher Ë Cell phone with chargers Ë ground. Most cars can be swept away by Materials such as cleaning products, less than two feet of moving water. Ë Family and contact paint, batteries, contaminated and information damaged fuel containers are hazardous. J Keep children out of the water. They are Check with local authorities for assistance curious and often lack judgment about Ë Extra cash with disposal to avoid risk. running water or contaminated water. Ë Emergency blanket Ë During cleanup, wear protective clothing, J Be especially cautious at night when it is Ë Map(s) of the area including rubber gloves and rubber boots . harder to recognize flood danger. Ë Ë Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby Make sure your food and water are safe. J Because standard homeowners insurance food, diapers) Discard items that have come in contact doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to with floodwater, including canned goods, have protection from the floods Ë Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, water bottles, utensils and baby associated with hurricanes, tropical carrier, bowl) bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it , heavy and other conditions out! Ë Tools/supplies for securing your home that impact the U.S. For more Ë Do not use water that could be information on , Ë Extra set of car keys and house keys please visit the National Flood contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, Ë Insurance Program Web site at Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes prepare food, wash hands, make or make baby formula. www.FloodSmart.gov . Ë Rain gear Ë Contact your local or state Ë Insect repellent and sunscreen department for specific recommendations Ë Camera for photos of damage for boiling or treating water in your area after a as water may be contaminated. Let Your Family Know You’re Safe If your community experiences a flood, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org/SafeandWell to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, visit RedCross.org . Copyright © 2009 by the American National Red Cross | Stock No. 658522 1/10