FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, provided the following useful information for areas hit by flooding or where flooding could occur.

Flood: Know Your Terms

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Before a Flood

* Avoid building in a floodprone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

* Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

* Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

* Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.

During a Flood

* Listen to the radio or television for information.

* Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

* Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

* If you must prepare to evacuate, secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

* Before evacuating, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

* If you have to leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. 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.

* Do not drive into flooded areas. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling; a foot of water will float many vehicles; 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickups.

* If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

After a Flood

* Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

* Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

* Avoid moving water.

* Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

* Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.

* Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

* Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

* Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

* Throw out all food and other supplies that may have become contaminated or come in to contact with floodwater. Open cabinets. Be alert for objects that may fall.

* Clean your house. Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Remove water quickly using a mop.

* Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals.

* If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.

* Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

* Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

Before entering your home

* Carefully inspect outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. Check if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. If you see damage,

a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.

* Turn off the electricity.

* If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.

* Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean the ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency