GET READY FOR HEAVY RAINS
AND FLOODING
Watch weather forecasts for the potential of heavy rains or rainfall build-up
over multiple days. These guidelines can help you get prepared before the
waters rise.
Personal Preparedness
Use the Take Winter By Storm Checklist to prepare an Keep rain gear, water repellent clothing and extra warm
emergency kit, including a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, clothing handy at home, work and in your vehicle to use in
a first-aid kit, emergency contact information, water, an emergency.
and non-perishable food. You can find a detailed list at
TakeWinterByStorm.org.
Drainage/Landslides
Rake leaves and debris away from storm drains to keep Watch the patterns of storm water drainage on slopes near your
them clear to avoid flooding streets and damage to home, and note the places where runoff water converges.
personal property. Grade property so water drains away from the foundation and
Report flooding drains and streets as soon as possible. downspouts direct water and from property into the storm
Double-check your homeowner’s policy to see if you are drainage system.
covered for storm water damage in your home – if not, add this Watch the hills around your home for any signs of land
coverage to your insurance. movement, such as small landslides, debris flows or
progressively tilting trees. Contact your local geotechnical or
structural engineer to determine the severity of the problem.
Flooding
Keep valuables on high shelves when storing materials in If your natural gas furnace shuts down because of flooding,
basements or in areas that are prone to floods. shut off the electric supply to the furnace until the water
Stay out of flooding basements. You could be electrocuted recedes and ducts are dry.
or drown. If you smell a natural gas odor or suspect a leak, leave your
Never drive into standing water or around road-closure signs. home or building immediately and call your natural gas utility or
911.
If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it and get to higher
ground. It takes only a foot or two of rapidly-moving water to Notify your natural gas utility if flooding causes water levels to
sweep away a car. cover your gas meter. A representative from the utility will need
to check the meter and regulator before any gas appliance can
If you live near rivers that historically flood, be prepared for river
be used.
flooding. Have an emergency kit ready to grab and go in case
of evacuation. If you have to evacuate your home or building as the result
of a flood, shut off your gas and electricity, only if you can do
Be safe. If a flood warning is issued, get to higher ground
so safely. This may prevent damage to your gas and electric
immediately! Follow evacuation and other official directions
appliances.
during flood emergencies, but don’t wait for them if you think
you are in danger. Call your natural gas utility to schedule a service-check for your
natural gas appliances after they have dried out and the area
Walking or playing around flood waters is dangerous; you can
around the affected appliances has been cleaned.
be knocked from your feet in water only six inches deep!
Homeowners, renters and businesses should purchase flood
insurance.
When heavy rains strike, first ensure your own safety. Then check in with family, friends, and neighbors to
make sure they are OK.
