Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Know the flood risk in your community by calling your municipality and insurance company.
• Know and practice evacuation routes.
• Monitor local weather and alerts and follow instructions if told to evacuate. 

Actions to Take: 

• Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Place them above potential water levels. 
• Put sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
• Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
• Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup. 
• Check that your roof and eaves-troughs are draining properly in heavy rains. 
• Talk with your family and neighbors about what you would do during a flood.
• Have practice drills with your family.

During

• listen to local news and weather reports for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Turn around, stay safe. Avoid walking and driving through flooded waters. They could be deeper than you think.
• Keep children and pets away from flood water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Individuals who encounter or experience flooding should contact 311. Calls will be assessed and re-directed accordingly.
• if you are trapped or injured call 911

After

• Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.
• Be alert for further instructions from officials and community leaders - listen to the radio, watch your local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and/or emergency officials on social media.
• Do not return home until you are advised it is safe to do so. 
• Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will want to know a record of damage to your home and belongings and may request photos or video. 
• Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup by minimizing contact with floodwater or anything that may have come in contact with it. 
• Wear protective clothing, including rubber boots or sturdy boots, safety glasses, hard hat, rubber gloves and a dust mask. 
• Do not use water that could be contaminated. 
• Discard any food items which may have been in contact with flood waters. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components are dry and have been inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Check with local authorities or community leaders on how to properly dispose of damaged items from your home.