Flooding
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
In Friendswood, floods may:
- Result from rain, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows from other water systems.
- Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning.
- Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
- Depending on the type of flooding:
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are.
NOW
- Sign up for the Friendswood Notification System. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit Flood Risk in Friendswood or FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
- If flash flooding is a risk in your location monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
- Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans and flash flood response.
- Build an emergency supply kit in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy, including contents coverage. Homeowner’s (and some Renter's) policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster.
- Create and maintain a household inventory. Take photos and videos of all household items and valuables. This includes documenting the makes, models, and serial numbers for all major appliances and pieces of electronic equipment.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
DURING
- Listen to the Friendswood Notification System, EAS, or NOAA Weather Radio for current emergency information and instructions.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
- Go to the safe location you previously identified.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
- If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water stay inside. If water is rising inside the car get on the roof.
- If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
- Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
AFTER
- Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Avoid driving except in emergencies.
- Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
- Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.