Prepare Your Home and Family for Flooding

Severe storms and heavy rains can cause flooding. Read the tips below to prepare your home and family.

It is important to know what to do in the event of flooding, especially during heavy rains or if you live in a floodplain.

A flood or flash flood WATCH means that a flood or flash flood is possible. A flood or flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding will occur soon, or may already be occurring.

Sign up for alerts from the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Preparing for a Flood

Stock emergency kits to keep in your car, office, and home so you'll be prepared for a flood. Include food, water, flashlights, batteries, and medications.

Practice for an evacuation and plan out multiple escape routes. Be sure to establish a meeting place for your family in the event you are separated.

Prepare for the possibility of power outages by storing water-filled plastic containers in your freezer to prevent food from spoiling.

What to Know During a Flood

Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. The water may be much deeper than you realize.

Just six inches of moving water is enough to knock you down.

If you must walk in water, check the ground in front of you by poking it with a stick.

One foot of moving water is enough to sweep your vehicle away.

Avoid contact with floodwater as it may be contaminated with sewage or debris.

If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not return home until instructed by authorities that it is safe to do so.

Follow the instructions of authorities. Don't attempt to go around barriers as local responders use them to safely control traffic.

Beware of electrocution risks when returning home.

If you see a downed power line, avoid puddles and standing water. Inform PG&E immediately. Call 911, and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

Do not use any gas or electrical appliances exposed to floodwater until they have been checked for safety.

In an emergency, your gas can be turned off at the main gas valve. Do not shut off the gas unless you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line or suspect a gas leak.

Never touch the electric switch or circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing in water.

To learn more, visit ready.gov/floods or pge.com/safety.

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