A flood is an overabundance of water that covers normally dry lands, caused by heavy rainfall, snowmelt, heavy precipitation, the failure of a dam, or the blockage of a river or stream.
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in the Hartford area. While everyone in the Capitol Region may be affected by a flood event, those living in and close to the floodplain are at greatest risk.
Flash floods can take only minutes to develop and may occur hours after rain has stopped falling. Floods can cause injuries and deaths from drowning, destroy property, cause environmental damage, severely impact transportation routes, and disrupt utilities.
If a flood or flash flood is imminent, the National Weather Service or local media may issue a flood watch or warning.
- A Flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A Flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
- A Flash Flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
- A Flash Flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon in your area.
Learn to protect yourself and your family. Download our Hazard Prep Checklists and take steps to be prepared before, during, and after a flood.
Before
What Can I Do Before a Flood?
If a flood watch or warning is issued:
- Use a NOAA Weather Radio or tune in to your preferred local news source on a portable, battery-powered radio or television.
- Heed the advice of the governor or local emergency management officials.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Stock up on prescription medications.
- Check and restock your Disaster Supply Kit .
- Ensure that you have working flashlights and batteries.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to prepare for power outages.
- Keep important documents and valuables in a safe deposit box or in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities; close propane tank valves.
- Review your evacuation plan and ensure your planned route is the same as what is currently recommended.
- Consider evacuating animals as soon as you are aware of impending danger.
- Store drinking water in clean plastic bottles and pots and pans. Fill bathtubs and sinks with water to use for flushing the toilet and washing floors and clothing (but not for drinking).
- Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors and move indoor furniture and valuables to higher floors.
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
During
What Should I Do During a Flood?
- If floodwater will affect your home or property, evacuate.
- Maintain contact with friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable due to functional needs.
If you are outdoors or are driving:
- Stay out of areas subject to flooding.
- Climb to high ground and stay there. Move away from dangerous floodwater.
- Never try to walk, swim, or drive through flooded areas, especially swift water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Stay away from underpasses, which can fill rapidly with water.
- Turn around and find another route if you come upon rapidly rising water or barricades. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains.
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
After
What Should I Do After a Flood?
- Seek medical care at the nearest hospital or clinic, if necessary. Contaminated floodwater can cause infection.
- Adhere to official barricades and detours. Never try to walk, swim or drive through moving water.
- If you evacuated, return home when emergency management officials indicate it is safe to do so.
- Check on friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable due to functional needs.
- If you locate someone who requires rescue, contact local emergency services.
- Avoid flooded areas.
- Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights instead of candles when examining buildings.
- Examine the structure to ensure the building is not in danger of collapsing.
- Look for fire hazards, such as leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces and appliances. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and quickly get outside. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.
- Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the circuit box (but do not step in water to do so). Call an electrician if required. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
- Check for sewage and water line damage. If damage exists, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber and the water company.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is safe.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
- Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
- If you have lost power and are using a generator, be sure to follow generator safety procedures.
- Throw away food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods. It is impossible to know if containers were damaged and the seals compromised.
- Discard contaminated wooden spoons, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers.
- Disinfect metal pans and utensils by boiling them in clean or properly treated water.
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
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