Following is a list of important considerations that should be followed during times of flooding:

Prepare an evacuation plan:  Before the floodwaters hit, develop an evacuation plan among all members of a household that includes a meeting place outside of the house, as well as an escape route out of the floodplain and away from floodwaters. If you must evacuate bring a portable family disaster supply kit with you.

Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station: Follow all emergency instructions.

If you are caught in a building by rapidly rising waters, call 911 for help: Then move to a higher floor or to the roof. Take warm, weatherproof clothing, a flashlight, a cellular phone and a portable radio.

Do not walk or wade in flooded areas:  Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.  If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires:  Behind drowning, electrocution is the number two cause of death during floods. Electrical current can travel through water.  Report downed power lines to your local utility company or to the County Emergency Management Office.

Be prepared to evacuate: Be prepared to move to a safe place. Know your evacuation routes and have a higher ground location in mind in case flooded roads cut off your escape route. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through.

If you evacuate by car: Do not drive where water is over the road or past barricaded road signs. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. f your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible and walk to safety in the direction you came from. Follow recommended evacuation routes, as shortcuts may be blocked.

When flooding is imminent, but only if time permits: Close the main gas valve. Turn off all utilities in your building at the main power switch. Do not touch any electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area or you are standing on a piece of dry wood while wearing rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves.