Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Living


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Comments (0)     E-mail article     Print view

How to prepare for and respond to a flood

Tips on what to do to prepare for a flood, how to stay safe during the storm and how to clean up after the waters recede.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers these tips for preparing for and responding to a flood:

Before

• Prepare a kit containing drinking water, first-aid supplies, canned food, a radio, a flashlight and blankets.

• Know routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground.

• Consider buying flood insurance, or make sure your existing policy is up to date. More than 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from areas at low to moderate risk, FEMA says. For information about flood insurance, go to www.floodsmart.gov.

During

• Go to higher ground and get out of areas that are subject to flooding.

• Avoid flooded areas, especially if the water is flowing fast. Don't walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.

• Never drive through a flooded road. You may lose control of the vehicle or it may stall. If your vehicle is caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.

After

• Don't turn on the electricity in your home if you detect gas or if the electrical system has been flooded.

• Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by floodwater or mud, and throw out any such food.

advertising

For cleaning hard surfaces, use a solution of 1 cup of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water (a ratio of 1 to 16). Wear gloves and protective eyewear.

• Damaged items that can't be cleaned and disinfected should be placed in plastic trash bags that can be tightly sealed to contain mold. Items that can be salvaged should be placed in a safe place to dry.

• Follow directions from local officials regarding the safety of drinking water. You may be instructed to boil water or to use bottled water.

• Stay out of floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Living headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

Comments
No comments have been posted to this article. Start the conversation.

Turn the tables on Thanksgiving dinner

10 Steps to a 30-minute garden

EcoConsumer: Flush with knowledge on water-efficient toilets

World's orphans need compassionate action for better lives

A Latin-percussion workshop and Hmong New Year celebration

Advertising

Video

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.

Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan
Election Night: Mike McGinn
Election Night: Susan Hutchison
Election Night: Dow Constatine
Candlelight vigil for Officer Brenton
Flying Elephant on Aurora

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising