Flood Safety Tips

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of National Preparedness Month, FEMA will be sending journalists information each week in September to help spread the word about how people and communities can better prepare for specific disasters before they strike.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7607931-fema-national-prepareathon/

As we mentioned in the FEMA news release dated September 1, 2015, each week will focus on a different type of disaster. The inaugural week highlights floods and the steps people and communities should take to better weather the storm when it strikes and recover more quickly once it has passed.

Below, are materials and information you can share with your viewers and readers. Should you need additional information or would like to speak with someone at FEMA, please contact the FEMA News Desk at (202) 646-3272.

Five simple steps to begin preparing for a flood:

• Know your flood risk. Learn whether you live, work, or travel through areas that are prone to flooding. To check your flood risk, enter your address at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/defining_flood_risks.jsp.
• Know how to stay informed. Receiving timely information about weather conditions or other emergency events can make all the difference in knowing when to take action to be safe. Monitor the weather reports provided by your local news media. Many communities also have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications
• Know your evacuation routes; plan your transportation and a place to stay. The safest way to survive a flood is to evacuate the area if advised to leave. To ensure that you will be able to act quickly should the need arise, you need to plan ahead.
• Practice how you will communicate with family members. In a dangerous situation, your first thoughts will be the safety of your family and friends. In case you are not together when authorities issue a flood watch or flood warning, practice how you will communicate with each other. Remember that sending texts is often faster than making a phone call. Visit http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan for instructions on developing a Household Communication Plan.
• Store supplies so you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate; know in advance what else you will need to take. Take time now to make a list of the things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly. Store the basic emergency supplies in a "Go Bag" or other container. Be ready to grab other essential items quickly before leaving. 
• Discuss what you have done to prepare with your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Talking about preparedness with others will help you think through your plans, share information about alerts and warnings, and share tips for protecting property. Talking about disasters and helping others prepare makes everyone safer.

Media outlets may also link to this guide on your website to provide your viewers and readers with more information about how to prepare for a flood.

SOURCE Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)