What would you do in the event of a major flood, man-made disaster, power outage, toxic spill, or health-related quarantine?  Could you survive on your own for the first 72 hours after a major disaster or emergency? 

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Storms develop quickly and can occur with little to no warning. Heavy winds and lightning caused by storms can cause extended power outages, uprooted trees, landslides, and downed or broken utility lines. Additionally, heavy rains can cause flash floods.

Flooding caused by heavy rains is dangerous and can occur without warning (flash floods). Floods are particularly dangerous because they can wash away vehicles and mobile homes and cause extensive damage to property. Individuals who can't swim, the elderly and those in need of special assistance are particularly vulnerable to drowning. Also a serious threat during a flood, are downed power lines. Those could fall into pools of water and cause electrocutions in homes and on public streets.

While watching the weather, listen for:

• Tornado Watch
• Tornado Warning
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Flood
Before a flood:

• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding
• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home.
• Construct barriers (levees, beams, sandbags, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• Keep an adequate supply of food, candles and drinking water in case you are trapped inside your home.

During a flood:

• Seek higher ground. Do not wait for instructions.
• Be aware of flash flood areas such as canals, streams, drainage channels.
• Be ready to evacuate. If time allows bring outside furniture indoors. Move essential items to upper floors.
• If instructed,turn off main valves and switches. Avoid electrical equipment if you are wet.
• If you must leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a stick to test depth.
• Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek an alternate route.

After a flood:

• Avoid floodwaters. Do not let children play in the water.
• Be aware of areas where water has receded. Roadways may have weakened and could collapse.
• Avoid down power lines and muddy waters where power lines may have fallen.
• Return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Discard food that may have been contaminated.
• Check on sewage systems. If damaged, these can be a serious hazard.

Thunderstorms
During the storm:

• Avoid handling metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets and sinks, because electric current from lightening can travel through wires and pipes
• If you are outside, take cover in a stable facility. Avoid taking shelter under trees
• Tune in to local TV/radio channels for emergency advisories and instructions
• Avoid walking through water that has seeped in your home - it may contain hazardous materials
• If you are asked to evacuate your home, disconnect all electrical appliances
• Call to report fallen trees or tree limbs, or clogged catch basins
• Call to report flooded streets
• Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them to the appropriate utility.

After the storm:

• Assess your immediate environment
• Report fallen trees, flooded streets or damaged public utilities to proper department
• Stay tuned to local weather stations for updated information