Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness: Floods

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards.

Safety Messages for Kids

• If you come upon flood waters, stop. Turn around and go another way. Climb to higher ground.

  Stay away from flooded areas...even if it seems safe, the water may still be rising. Never try to walk, swim or dive into the water because it may be moving very fast. (Note: Less than six inches of fast moving flood water can knock people off their feet, and two feet of water will float a car.)

• If you are in a car, get out immediately and move to higher ground.

• Watch out for snakes in areas that were flooded.

• Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines or culverts.

• Throw away food that has come into contact with flood waters...eating it could make you very sick.

Click the picture below to display a full-sized coloring picture which you can print out and color! You may need to adjust the reduction size to get the whole picture on a single sheet of paper.

Action Steps for Adults

• Know the terms used on the radio or television that warn of potential flooding conditions:

  Flood/Flash Flood Watch: Flooding or flash flooding may occur within the designated WATCH area. Be alert.

  Flood/Flash Flood Warning: Flooding or flash flooding has been reported or is imminent. Take necessary precautions at once.

• Find out if you live in a flood plain. If you do, call your local emergency management office or Red Cross chapter to learn what types of supplies should be stored to protect your home from floodwater.

• Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and dams so that you will know if forecasted flood levels will affect your home.