Having an evacuation plan in place before a flood occurs can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries and property damage. A thorough evacuation plan should include:
- Conditions that will activate the plan
- Chain of command
- Emergency functions and who will perform them
- Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits
- Procedures for accounting for personnel, customers, and visitors
- Equipment for personnel
- Review the plan with workers
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Monitor radio and television stations for more information.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; monitor radio and television stations for more information.
Flood Warning: Imminent threat – Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Warning: Imminent threat – A flash flood is occurring or will occur soon; seek higher ground on foot immediately.
If you are located in an area that is susceptible to flooding, you should monitor NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio or television stations for information about flood watches and warnings.
If you receive information about the possibility of flash flooding, be prepared to move to higher ground immediately. In all cases, you should be prepared to evacuate before water levels rise and potentially cut off evacuation routes.