FEMA Public Service Announcements

Flood: 60s

27. Flood Insurance

ANNCR: Floods and flash floods can strike almost anywhere. Many people don't know that the severe damage to homes and property caused by floodwaters is NOT covered by homeowners insurance. Protect yourself and your family from catastrophic financial loss due to flood damage. Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or by calling 1-800-427-4661.

Your area need not be declared a Federal Disaster Area to claim coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, however, there is a thirty-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective. Call the National Flood Insurance Program toll-free. Dial 1-800-427-4661. 1-800-427-4661. Plan ahead to survive the next flood, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

28. Stockpile Building Materials. Stay Alert.

ANNCR: A flood watch is issued when there is a threat of flood conditions within a 24-36 hour period. You may still have time to take precautions. If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials including plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer and saw, pry bar, shovels and sandbags.

During a flood watch, listen to a battery-operated radio or television for flood progress reports. If there is a flood warning, you may be advised to evacuate the area. Be prepared to move immediately to higher ground.

Check the contents of your emergency supply kit, and fill plastic water bottles with enough fresh water to last three days. Make sure that there is plenty of fuel in your car, and memorize at least two alternate routes to higher ground. Plan ahead to survive the next flood, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

29. General Preparedness Info

ANNCR: Will you be prepared when the next flood strikes? Right now, gather items to make a life-saving emergency supply kit. You'll need a waterproof flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio and lots of extra batteries. A first aid kit is essential, and you'll want a three-day supply of food and water for everyone in the family. Don't forget a non-electric can opener.

Ask your local Red Cross for the location of shelters in your area, and make sure that everyone in your family knows where they are and how to get there by at least two alternate routes. Learn flood warning signs and your community alert signals. Pets are not allowed into emergency shelters. Contact your local humane society for information how to protect your pet during an emergency. Plan ahead to survive the next flood, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

30. Make an E-Kit, Utilities

ANNCR: Nearly every area of the country is at risk from flooding and flash floods. Right now, while you still have time to take precautions, gather a few household items to make a family emergency supply kit. You'll need a waterproof flashlight, a portable, battery-operated radio and lots of extra batteries. A first aid kit is essential, and you'll want a three-day supply of food and water for everyone in the family. Don't forget a non-electric can opener.

Floodwaters can cause structural damage to your home or property that breaks electric, gas and water lines. It's important to take a few minutes right now to teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water to help prevent additional damage to your home. Plan ahead to survive the next flood, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

31. Get Information. Emergency Communications Plan

ANNCR: It's important for the safety and well being of your family that you act immediately to obtain local flood preparedness information. Information about what to do and where to go before, during and after a flood can save your life.

Families should have a plan for getting back together in case they're separated from one another during a disaster. Have everyone agree to call an out-of-town friend or relative and leave a message about where you can be found. For other important safety information visit the FEMA Internet website at w-w-w-dot-f-e-m-a-dot-gov, or contact your local Red Cross. Flood insurance is available almost everywhere. Call the National Flood Insurance Program hotline at 1-800-427-4661. Plan ahead to survive the next flood, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

32. Flood Warning: General Info

ANNCR: Wherever you are when a flood warning is issued, be prepared to move immediately to higher ground. Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions and emergency flash flood alerts.

If you are at home when you hear a flood warning, fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case floodwaters contaminate the local drinking water supply. Move valuable household items to upper floors, or if time permits, to higher ground. If you are outdoors, move to higher ground immediately and stay there. Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, and never cross a road or bridge that is washed out. Knowing what to do and where to go when you hear a flood warning can save your life. Plan ahead to survive the next flood, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

33. Flash Flood Alert: Preparing for Evacuation

ANNCR: When you hear a flash flood alert, there is an immediate possibility of rapidly rising water in your area. It may become necessary to warn all residents to evacuate before conditions become dangerous. If officials declare that evacuation is necessary, your cooperation is vital to your safety.

To prepare for evacuation, secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. If you still have telephone service, tell someone outside of the flood area where you are going. Lock up your home and leave immediately. Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to a designated emergency shelter. Avoid flooded roads and be extra alert for storm damage when crossing bridges. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

34. Flash Floods and Mudflows: Stay Alert. Stay Alive.

ANNCR: Flash floods and mudflows often follow periods of heavy rain. If you're outside when you hear a flood alert warning, Stop, Look and Listen, because the simplest advice is still the best.

Stop walking or driving through low-lying areas and immediately head for higher ground. Do not walk or drive through even shallow floodwater.

Look around for evidence of local flooding. There is often little or no warning before a flash flood strikes. Be prepared to move immediately and quickly to higher ground if you see nearby water rising rapidly.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or TV for important emergency safety information, news and weather updates. Stop, look, and listen to improve your chances of escaping flood related injuries. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

35. Return Home Cautiously

ANNCR: If you were forced to evacuate your area due to flooding, return home only after authorities advise that it is safe. Enter your home with caution. Serious damage to the structure of your home may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Despite appearing to safe and sound, flood damaged homes sometimes collapse without warning. Snakes, insects, and other animals may have escaped floodwaters by going inside. Proceed with caution.

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and immediately leave the building. As soon as you safely can, take pictures of any damage to the house and its contents for insurance claims. And, remember floodwaters are contaminated. Take precautions when cleaning up. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

36. Hidden Dangers of Flood Damage

ANNCR: Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Disaster victims returning to flood damaged homes can face serious injury from unexpected and hidden dangers. Structural damage may not be obvious to the untrained eye. A flood damaged home may suddenly collapse. Loose and dangling power lines pose the threat of severe electric shock. A spark may ignite a natural gas leak leading to a fire or an explosion.

If you are returning home after a flood look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Do not step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker. Call an electrician for advice or assistance. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.