Flood Preparedness

The City of Worthington Division of Fire & EMS wants you to be prepared in the event of a flood or flash flood. Please read the following information and keep it on hand.

Preparations

:
  • Know What To Expect: 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.
  • Floods can take several hours or even days to develop.
  • A 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.

Know What You'Ll Need:

  • Flashlights and extra batteries.
  • Portable, battery-operated radio (and extra batteries) tuned to a local station, with which to follow emergency instructions.
  • First Aid kit and manual.
  • Emergency food and bottled water.
  • Non-electric can opener.
  • Essential medicines.
  • Cash and credit cards.
  • Sturdy shoes.
  • Fully charged cell phones.
  • Car's gas tanks full.
  • Insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.

Evacuation: Should You Need to Leave Your Home or Business:

  • Turn all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve, if evacuation appears necessary.
  • Move valuables, such as important papers, furs, jewelry and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations.
  • Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first, by using bleach. Rinse, then fill with clean water (in case you were to become stranded inside).
  • Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.

When the Flood Arrives:

  • Don't drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More people drown in their cars, than anywhere else.
  • If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempt to move stalled vehicles.
  • Don't walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
  • Look out for animals; especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours.
  • If the waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic, and if necessary, the roof. Take dry clothing, a flashlight, cell phone and a portable radio with you. Call or wait for help.
  • If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there - Don't try to swim to safety; wait for rescuers to come to you.
  • If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately, and climb to higher ground.