Flooding

Before the Flood

• Know the elevation of your property in relation to flood plains, streams, and other waterways. Determine the danger to your property.
• If you've experienced flooding in the past expect it again unless you have taken appropriate measures to mitigate the problem. What did you do in the past that helped? Do it again, before it floods! What else can you do? Do it now! Do you have what you may need? Get it! Be Prepared!
• Make sure downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well-drained area. - About 2,500 gallons of water will come from a 1,000 square foot roof with one foot of snow depth across the roof. This much water may cause problems if allowed to drain next to the house.
• Move snow on the ground away from the house. Water from the snow may cause a wet basement if allowed to run down along the basement wall. If the ground is sloped 1 inch per foot near the house, moving the snow just 3-5 feet from thouse will reduce problems.
• Remove snow from around rural yards to minimize soft, wet soil conditions. Remember that a 20-foot diameter x 10 foot high pile of snow could contain as much as about 2,600 gallons of water. Move the snow to well-drained areas.
• Ensure that storm drains, rain gutters, irrigation ditches, and culvert pipes are free of debris and ready to accommodate high flows of water.
• Open basement windows to equalize water pressure on foundations and walls.
• Consider flood insurance if you live by a river, have experienced repeated flooding, or your residence is in a high water-table area.
• Report concerns, such as trees in the river, clogged culverts, debris in the canal, etc. that are out of your control or responsibility early before the flooding begins.
• Examine and clean your sump pump if you have one. Test the pump by pouring water into the pit. Make sure the discharge hose carries the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area. Also, make sure the pipe is on sloped ground so it drains to prevent it from freezing and clogging up with ice. Install a drainfield if possible for the sump pump to pump to.
• Notify neighbors when your sump pump kicks on and/or when you notice the water rising.
• Store food, water, and critical medical supplies (prescriptions, etc.). Store these items in an area of the house that is high enough to stay out of the flood waters.
• Move furniture and essential items to higher elevation if time permits.
• Have a portable radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family and make advance plans of what to do and where to go.
• Keep your car filled with gas in case you have to evacuate. Have a 72 hour kit in the car or easily accessible for a quick evacuation.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood or other emergency. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

During the Flood

• Listen to local radio or TV for weather information.
• Once you're secure, check on your neighbors. Volunteer to assist where needed.
• If you are asked to evacuate, shut off main power switch, main gas valve, and water valve. Follow local evacuation plan and routes.
• Do Not attempt to drive over a flooded road, as it may be washed out. While you are on the road, watch for possible flooding at bridges, dips, and low areas. Swiftly moving water of only one foot deep can easily move a car off the road to deeper flood areas.
• Watch out for damaged roads, slides, and fallen electrical wires.
• Drive slowly in water; use low gear.
• If you are driving and your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Do Not attempt to cross a stream on foot where water is above your knees.
• Register at your designated Evacuation Center and remain there until informed to leave.

After the Flood

• Remain away from evacuated area until public health officials and the building inspector have given approval.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering.
• Make sure electricity is off; watch for electrical wires. Leave electricity off until the area is dry and wiring has been inspected.
• Do Not use an open flame as a light source due to possible gas leaks. Use flashlights and beware of dangerous sparks.
• Do not use food that has been contaminated by flood water.
• Do not drink tap water until health officials can certify its safety. Flooding can cause contamination of the water supplies. Contaminated water can contain micro-organisms that can cause diseases. Purify your water if you think it might be contaminated before drinking, cooking, washing dishes, or bathing.(boil 3-5 minutes)

Floods, What you should know when living in Utah booklet