Have your community join the National Flood Insurance Program. Any
community may join the NFIP. Check with your local emergency management
office for more information.
Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency
information on floods and flash floods. Localize the information by
printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the
American Red Cross chapter, and the nearest hospitals.
Interview local officials about land use management and building codes in floodplains.
Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials
to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments about
what to do if an evacuation is ordered.
Periodically inform your community of local public warning systems.
Explain the difference between flood watches and warnings. Let them know
where to turn for emergency broadcast information should they hear a
warning on their radio or television.
Assist hospitals and other operations that are critically affected by power failure by arranging for auxiliary power supplies.
Contact your local National Weather Service office or emergency
management agency for information on local flood warning systems. River
and rainfall readings are valuable to local emergency management
agencies and the NWS in assessing flood conditions and taking
appropriate actions. Advanced warning provided by early detection is
critical to saving lives. Automatic flood detection systems are
available commercially for flood-prone communities.
Publish emergency evacuation routes for areas prone to flooding.