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FLOOD INFORMATION SHEET 

Be Prepared – Protect Loved Ones  

 Steps to take now, before a Flood

  • Plan and practice an evacuation route.

    •   *  Know your area’s flood risk – if unsure about your community’s emergency plans, evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters, call your local emergency management or Red Cross chapter. Check out www.hcoem.org. or www.houstontx.gov/oem/
      *  This plan should include information on the safest routes to shelters. Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several alternative routes.
      *  Fill your car’s gas tank in case an evacuation notice is issued. 

  • Pre-register loved ones with medical disabilities or transportation needs for help in case of an emergency evacuation. Check out  www.hcphes.org. or www.houstontx.gov/oem/.

  • Locate and store your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc. in a safe place. Put them in a plastic bag that zips closed to keep them from getting wet or in a safety deposit box.

  • Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.

  • Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

  • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, the police, the fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Template for Family Emergency Plan

In case family members are separated from one another during a flood (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding.  If not, find out how to get flood insurance.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Identify where you can go if told to evacuate.  Choose several places, such as a friend’s home in another town or hotel, where you can stay for a few days in case you are evacuated.  Don’t forget to plan for pets – they are not always welcome in emergency shelters or hotels. 

If Time Permits, Here are Other Steps That You Can Take Before The Flood

  • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
  • Move furniture and valuables, such as important papers, furs, jewelry and clothing to higher floors of your home.
  • Sanitize sinks, plastic bottles and tubs using bleach. Rinse well, then fill with clean water.
  • Bring in outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans or tie them down securely.

Source of Information:

 

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Last updated:  August 05, 2011 
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
2223 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 439-6000
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