Once you’ve made all your preparations for a flood, then the next step is to know when one is about to arrive. Listen to weather reports on TV or the radio and be aware of the difference between a Flood Warning and a Flood Watch. A Watch only indicates that flooding may happen, while a Warning means flooding is happening. If the broadcast does not say that residents of your locality must evacuate, then you have time for still a few more precautionary measures, such as moving outdoor furniture inside and placing essential and valuable items upstairs. Wrap expensive items that cannot be easily moved in plastic sheeting and seal with duct tape.
If you hear your area is under a Flood Watch, make sure the gas tank of your automobile or other transport is full and that its battery is fully charged. Stay home, but listen on your radio or TV for any upgrade of the Flood Watch to a Flood Warning. Unplug electrical appliances that are not being used. When you hear a Flood Warning, follow the instructions, which may well tell you to stay where you are. Turn off the gas utilities at the main valve and turn off the electrical power at the main panel. Disconnect the last electrical appliances you still have connected, most likely your refrigerator, TV and radio. Be sure not to touch anything connected to electrical power while you are wet or standing in water. In the event you are told to leave your home, do so immediately.
