Safety Should Be First Priority When Flood Waters Rise
Release Date: March 27, 2009
Release Number: 1829-003a
» More Information on North Dakota Severe Storms and Flooding
BISMARCK, N.D. -- State and federal emergency managers are urging North Dakota residents in flood-prone areas to make safety their first priority in preparing for floods and coping with rising waters.
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge that residents take the following steps to protect their families during a flood:
• Have an emergency plan with a "go kit" that includes copies of insurance policies, an inventory of household items, medications and contact numbers.
• Be sure to include family pets in the emergency plan, especially if you must evacuate to a safer location.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Do not walk or drive through flooded streets.
• Flood waters often contain raw sewage and other dangerous pollutants and should be avoided. Do not let children play in flood waters.
• Roadbeds may be washed out under flood waters. Never drive through flooded roadways. If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Heed emergency information from state and local officials and continue to monitor weather forecasts.
For more information on preparing for floods go online to www.fema.gov, www.ready.gov and www.floodsmart.gov. Remember, protection under the National Flood Insurance Program does not become effective until 30 days after purchasing a policy.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Friday, 03-Apr-2009 11:26:17