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Floods
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.
If a flood occurs, go to high ground.
Never try to drive through deep water.
If you need to evacuate, grab your Go Bag and leave right away.
Click here for information on Flood Insurance
Before Coastal or Flash Flooding
- Know your area's flood risk. To estimate your flood risk and flood insurance premium, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
- Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables.
- Fill out an Emergency Plan Card, 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).
During a Flood
Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio tuned to a local station and follow emergency instructions.
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.
When outside, remember: floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to walk across flood water more than knee deep.
If it is Safe to Evacuate by Car:
- Take your Go Bag with you.
- Avoid flooded roadways. Parts of the road may already be washed out, and you could become stranded or trapped.
- 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.
If Time Permits:
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- Throw out fresh food and previously opened medicines that have come in contact with floodwaters.
- Water for drinking and food preparation should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes (until the public water system has been declared safe).
- 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.
WEATHER WORDS
Flash Flood Watch: Flooding because of heavy rainfall is possible.
Flash Flood Warning: Flooding because of heavy rainfall is expected.
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