A flood is defined as the rising
of a body of water due to the overflow of inland or tidal
waters, the rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters
from any source, or a mudflow that causes a body of water's
subsequent overflow onto normally dry land. Floods are
the most common and widespread of all natural disasters except fire. Flooding causes many deaths and more
than $2 billion in property damage every year.
If you live in an area with a higher
flood risk, you should consider taking steps to ensure
your family's safety and protect your property.
Always raise your furnace, water
heater, and electrical panel if they are in areas
that may be flooded. For more information, see http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm.
Have flood insurance for your
home or business to help you recover in the event
a flood occurs.
If it has been raining hard for
several hours or days, be alert to the possibility of
floods. Stay tuned to your local radio and television
stations for flood information.
If a flood watch is announced
(meaning that a flood is possible in your area), move
furniture and valuables to higher floors in your home
and fill your car with gas.
If there is a flood warning
(meaning the flooding is already occurring or will
occur soon in your area), listen to your local radio
and television stations for up-to-date information
on evacuations. Move to higher ground away from rivers,
streams, creeks, and storm drains. If your car stalls
in rising waters, abandon it immediately and
climb to higher ground.
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