Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low­lying area.

Know the Difference

Flood/Flash Flood Watch—Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area.

Flood/Flash Flood Warning—Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

What should I do?

1. •Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

2. •Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

3. •When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

4. •Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

5. •If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

6. •Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

7. •Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

8. •Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.