A flash flood from a broken dam or levee or after intense rainfall of one inch (or more) per hour often catches people unprepared. The rule for being safe is simple: head for the high ground and stay away from the water. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is try walking, swimming, or driving through such swift water.
More people lose their lives in floods than in any other weather-related event. 80% of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake - trying to navigate through flood waters.
DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS! Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. Water only six inches deep can sweep a person off their feet. Water a foot deep can displace a 1500lb. vehicle! Two feet of water can easily carry most vehicles! Most trucks, four-wheel drives, and sport utility vehicles also are susceptible to being swept away by high water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing the vehicles are safe under any conditions.
If you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route, even though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water.
If a vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Remember it’s better to be wet than dead!
Water covered roads conceal other damage as well. Manhole covers may be off or sink holes may have been eroded which could easily cause harm. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Debris or garbage in the water may include tires, shopping carts, furniture etc. These items can easily injure or trap a person under water.
If you must prepare to evacuate your home bring in outdoor furniture and turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

DO NOT TOUCH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE WET OR STANDING IN WATER.
Prepare a family disaster plan. Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance. Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
While flash floods are rare in our area they need to be prepared for:
Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: first aid kit and essential medications. Canned food and a can opener. At least three gallons of water per person. Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags. Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members. Also identify where you could go if told to evacuate. have several places….a friend’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter.