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Make your flood plan before a watch or warning: identify local alerts and evacuation routes, choose where to reunite, arrange transportation and pet care, and pack supplies for everyone in your household. Then practice the plan and follow local instructions when flooding threatens.

1. Find the flood information for your address

Flood risks, warning signals, evacuation routes and shelters vary by community. Ask your local emergency management office or planning authority what applies to your home, work and children’s school. Learn how local alerts are issued, whether flooding can develop quickly, where safe higher ground is, and which shelters are open to residents and pets. Use local directions rather than assuming a general map or familiar road will be safe.

The National Weather Service (NWS) explains that a flood or flash-flood watch means flooding is possible in the designated area: stay alert and be ready to evacuate. A warning means flooding has been reported or is imminent, so take precautions and move to safety. Check NWS flood safety guidance and your local alert channels for current instructions.

2. Decide how you will communicate and reunite

Household members may be in different places when an emergency starts. The NWS asks families to consider: “Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other?” Build specific answers into your plan:

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  • Nearby meeting place: Choose a familiar spot close to home for situations where you cannot safely enter or stay in the house.
  • Out-of-neighborhood meeting place: Choose a second location in case your block or neighborhood is inaccessible.
  • Out-of-state contact: Select a friend or relative everyone can check in with if you are separated or local communications are disrupted. Give each household member the contact’s name, address and phone number.

Write down the contact details and meeting places, and keep copies where family members can reach them, such as in a child’s bag when appropriate. Agree on how and when to check in. Practice the steps so children and other household members know what to do if they cannot reach you immediately.

3. Plan a route, destination and transportation

Choose a primary evacuation route and a viable alternative with local guidance. Decide in advance where your household will go—such as a relative’s home, a designated shelter or another safe location—and how you will get there. Walk or drive the route in advance if appropriate, and make sure everyone knows where to meet if separated.

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If someone in your household does not have a vehicle, arrange a ride with a trusted friend or relative before an emergency. Ask local authorities about shelter access and accommodations for people with disabilities, medical needs or pets. Identify pet-friendly destinations and how animals will be transported; do not assume every shelter accepts pets.

During an evacuation, follow official orders and designated routes. The CDC says, “Never ignore an evacuation order.” Never walk or drive through floodwater: flooded roads can be dangerous even when the water looks shallow, and water can sweep people and vehicles away. Follow current local instructions rather than trying to test a road yourself.

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4. Pack a go-kit for the people and pets in your home

Keep supplies together where they can be collected quickly, with an evacuation version that is easy to carry. CDC guidance is to store at least one gallon of water per day for each person and each pet, for at least three days. The NWS also recommends at least three days of food, water and medicine. These are preparedness recommendations, not guarantees that supplies will cover every evacuation or outage.

Pack What to consider
Water, food and medicines Water for each person and pet; ready-to-eat food; prescriptions and other essential medicines.
Communication and light A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or portable radio, flashlight, spare batteries and phone chargers.
Health and comfort First-aid kit, blankets and sturdy footwear.
Documents and payment Identification, cash, and essential insurance or medical records in a waterproof pouch or bag.
Household-specific needs Infant supplies; mobility devices and communication aids; medical equipment needs; pet food, water and essentials.

Tailor quantities and items to your household, including any equipment or care arrangements that are essential for a family member. Keep a smaller car kit if practical. Check supplies periodically and replace items that have expired or been used. The CDC flood preparation guidance includes advice on supplies and protecting essential documents during evacuation.

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5. Prepare the home and understand utility shutoffs

Learn ahead of time how to shut off household utilities safely, and when local authorities say to do so. Identify potential hazards and ask a qualified professional whether home measures such as protecting electrical components, a sump pump with backup power or a backflow valve suit your building and flood risk. These measures depend on the home and are not a substitute for evacuation instructions.

Do not approach downed power lines or enter standing water in a home where electricity could present a hazard. Follow official safety guidance during a flood and avoid attempting a utility shutoff if doing so would put you in danger.

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6. Practice and keep the plan current

Walk through the plan with everyone in the household, including children. Practice how to receive alerts, contact one another, get to the meeting places, follow the evacuation route and collect the kit. Review the plan when household members’ schedules, schools, jobs, medicines, pets or routes change. Keep key contacts and essential documents protected from water.

When a watch or warning is issued

Monitor official local alerts and updates on radio, television or other local channels. During a watch, stay alert, gather supplies, prepare transportation and be ready to leave. During a warning, act promptly: move to safety and follow any evacuation order and designated route. Do not wait to see whether floodwater reaches your home, and never cross flooded roads on foot or in a vehicle.

Sources

This guidance is from U.S. federal sources. Local warning systems, shelters, routes and evacuation instructions differ; follow the current guidance for your location.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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