Flood safety
Image PendingWhat can I do before the flood?
  • Keep a stock of food on hand that does not need to be cooked.
  • Keep a first aid kit available.
  • Keep your vehicle fueled.
  • Tune the radio, television or NOAA weather radio to get the most current information on the situation.
  • Know where shelters are that you can use for evacuation, or have other options available that give you shelter out of the floodplain.
  • Know what supplies to take with you in an evacuation.
  • Buy flood insurance.
  • Have an inventory (including photos) of your personal property updated and in a safe place. This makes it a lot easier to file insurance claims should disaster strike.
  • Sandbags may help keep floodwaters from entering your home.
  • Look at low-lying areas around your home that could benefit from improved drainage; look at your neighborhood for drainage enhancements as well.
  • Look at retrofitting your home to help minimize flood damage.

    Image PendingWhat can I do to be safe during a flood?
  • When told to evacuate by officials, do so in a timely manner.
  • Check the Lee County Emergency Operations Center website under Quick Links for a map of evacuation routes.
  • Know what you need to take with you in an evacuation, and have that ready to go before the call to leave comes.
  • Elevate any items you can to improve the chances they'll stay dry in a flood.
  • Avoid flood-prone areas while evacuating. Don't drive through standing or running water (even if you think you know how deep it could be), and avoid unstable or low-lying areas if possible.
  • Before you leave your home, shut off the electricity at the main breaker/fuse panel to everything except refrigerators and freezers. Turn off the water supply to your home. It will make your return that much safer.
  • If you stay in your home, use common sense. Avoid downed power lines, do not use open flames in enclosed spaces, consume only safe and sealed foods and liquids.

    What should I do after the flood?
  • Do not eat fresh food that has come into contact with flood water.
  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Stay away from flooded areas. You will only hamper rescue and response efforts.
  • Do not handle live electrical equipment.
  • Report downed power lines to law enforcement or to the power company.
    • Stay tuned to your portable radio or TV for additional information and updates on the situation.

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