|
Flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster, and Pennsylvania has the highest flooding rate of any state in the United States. It is important to know that not all floods are alike. Some can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any rain in the immediate area. Be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water, or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.
| Prepare For Flooding: |
- Know your area's flood risk. To estimate your flood risk and flood insurance premium, visit www.floodsmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419.
- Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables.
- Fill out a Household Emergency Plan, which will contain important contacts for you and your family in the event of any emergency.
- Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
- Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your Household Emergency Plan.
- If you live in a flood-susceptible area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.
- Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
|
Sign up for ReadyNotifyPA, the region's emergency text and email alert system, by logging on to www.readynotifypa.org, by texting PHILA to 411911 or by scanning the code below. (The alerts are free but standard text messaging rates may apply.)
| If Flooding is Forecast: |
- Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area, or you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber-soled shoes or boots and rubber gloves.
- Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are contaminated (you can sanitize these items by first rinsing with bleach).
- Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or tape (to prevent flying glass).
- Bring outdoor objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other loose items, inside the house or tie them down securely.
|
|
During a Flood |
| Inside/Outside on Foot: |
In a Vehicle: |
- Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio tuned to a local station and follow emergency instructions.
- If flooding occurs and it is safe to move, go to high ground.
- If you're caught inside by rising waters, move to a higher floor. Take warm clothing, a flashlight, and portable radio with you. Wait for help. Do NOT try to swim to safety.
- If it is safe and you need to evacuate, take your Go Bag with you.
- When outside, remember: floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to walk across flood water more than knee deep.
|
- Avoid flooded roadways. Parts of the road may already be washed out, and you could become stranded or trapped.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Just two feet of moving water can sweep a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) off the road.
- If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Floodwater can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away.
|
|
After a Flood |
- Before re-entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure it is not in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank, and let the building air out for several minutes to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
- Turn off the electricity in all flooded rooms. Watch for electrical shorts or live wires before turning off the main power switch. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.
- Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further weather damage.
- Owners should take pictures of all damage and flood impacts and keep receipts for all repairs if they intend to apply for disaster assistance or to make an insurance claim.
|
|
Clean Up Safely |
| The Philadelphia Department of Public Health offers these tips to help you and your family stay safe when cleaning up after a flood: |
- Remove all water by mopping, pumping, wet vacuuming or clearing drains.
- Clean and dry thoroughly all we light fixtures (Don't turn the electricity back on until they are dry!)
- Water for drinking and food preparation should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes (until the public water system has been declared safe).
|
|
Throw Out:
- All ceiling tiles, paper products, baseboards, and insulation that were damaged by water.
- All drywall up to four feet above the floodwater line.
- Furniture that has absorbed water (like mattresses, sofas, and upholstered chairs).
- Medicines and food that touched floodwater.
- All perishable foods that have not been refrigerated for more than six hours.
- Any frozen foods that have thawed.
|
Make Your Own Disinfectant
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of bleach
- 1 gallon of water
Instructions:
- Pour bleach into water
- Mix thoroughly
- Dip a rag into the disinfectant and wipe dirty items
|
|
Wet Vacuum, Shampoo and Air Dry:
Wipe Twice With a Disinfectant, Then Air Dry:
- Wood and metal studs
- Open windows and doors while cleaning and for at least 24 hours after cleaning. This will help surfaces to dry more quickly, and will help prevent mold. If you can, use fans or dehumidifiers to help dry things.
|
Wash With Soap And Water, Wipe With a Disinfectant, And Dry:
- Furniture that doesn't absorb water (like wooden chairs and cabinets).
- All contaminated floors, counters, and other surfaces.
- All cooking and eating utensils that were touched or splashed by floodwater.
- Foam rubber items.
Wipe With a Disinfectant or Wash in a Dishwasher in Hot Water:
- Children's toys (Don't let children play with toys until they have been cleaned and disinfected!)
|
|
Weather Words |
| Flash Flood Watch |
Flooding because of heavy rainfall is possible. |
| Flash Flood Warning |
Flooding because of heavy rainfall is expected. |
|