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Definition of Flood readiness

Flood readiness definition - medical term

H ere are some basic steps to take to prepare well in advance for a possible flood:

• Risk to the House -- Contact the local county geologist or county planning department to find out if your home is located in a flash-flood-prone area (or landslide-prone area).
• Emergency Plan -- Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
• Rehearsing Evacuation -- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
• A Contact Person -- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
• Posting Emergency Numbers -- Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
• Special Needs Persons -- Inform local authorities about any special needs such as elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
• Home Hazards -- Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes.
  • Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuation.
  • Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate.
  • Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Fire Extinguisher -- Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where it is and how to use it.
• Sump Pump -- Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Electrician -- Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above your home's projected flood elevation.
• Plumber -- For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor Fuel Tanks -- Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.

See also: Flood warning; Flood supplies kit.