Flood Recovery Booklet
What You Should Know Before You Have to Evacuate
Before a flood forces you to evacuate your home, you should have information and supplies ready to take with you in case your home and belongings are damaged or destroyed.
Here is a checklist of what you should have ready:
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Three-day supply of nonperishable foods and water (one gallon per person per day)
- Essential prescription and nonprescription medications
- Mess kit or paper cups and plates and plastic utensils
- Baby supplies such as formula, bottles, diapers, powdered milk and medications
- Nonelectric can opener
- Utility knife
- Toilet paper, towelettes
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Contact lenses, extra eyeglasses
- Supplies for dentures
- Complete change of clothing and footwear for each person
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Cash or traveler's checks, change
- Whistle
- Entertainment--book and games
It is also important to keep important family documents in a waterproof, portable container you can grab quickly in case of evacuation.
- Insurance policies, wills, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Remember that you won't have a lot of time during evacuation. Map and practice the drive to the shelter of your choice or evacuation destination. Time the trip and multiple it by three to account for evacuation traffic and road conditions.