The American Red Cross-Knoxville Area Chapter encourages
you and your family to read and use these tips to help
keep you safe when flooding occurs or can potentially
occur. For more information on staying safe year-round,
call your American Red Cross at (865) 584-2999.
Know
What to Expect
- Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your
local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office,
or planning and zoning department.
- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or
steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility
of a flood.
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce
potential flood damage by
- Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel
if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
- Consult with a professional for further information
if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods
Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
- 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.
Flash
Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
- 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.
- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding.
If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables
in a safe-deposit box.
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping
bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family
members.
- Written instructions for how to turn off electricity,
gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember,
you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose
several places . . . a friend's home in another town,
a motel, or a shelter.
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors
of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice
is issued.
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for information
and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to
evacuate on a moment's notice.
- Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately.
You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks,
and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . .
. they are there for your safety.
- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon
it immediately and climb to higher ground.
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