Mitigation pays. It includes any activities that prevent an emergency,
                      reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging
                      effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in mitigation steps now
                      such as constructing barriers such as levees and purchasing flood
                      insurance will help reduce the amount of structural damage to your home
                      and financial loss from building and crop damage should a flood or flash
                      flood occur.

                                          BEFORE

                                          Find out if you live in a flood-prone area from
                                          your local emergency management office or
                                          Red Cross chapter.
                                          Ask whether your property is above or below
                                          the flood stage water level andlearn about the
                                          history of flooding for your region.

                                          Learn flood warning signs and your community
                      alert signals.

                      Request information on preparing for floods and flash floods.

                      If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building
                      materials.
                      These include plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, hammer and saw,
                      pry bar,shovels, and sandbags.

                      Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood
                      watersfrom backing up in sewer drains.
                      As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or
                      basins.

                      Plan and practice an evacuation route.
                      Contact the local emergency management office or local American Red
                      Cross chapter for a copy of the community flood evacuation plan.

                      This plan should include information on the safest routes to shelters.
                      Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several alternative
                      routes.

                      Have disaster supplies on hand.

                           Flashlights and extra batteries
                           Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
                           First aid kit and manual
                           Emergency food and water
                           Nonelectric can opener
                           Essential medicines
                           Cash and credit cards
                           Sturdy shoes

                      Develop an emergency communication plan.
                      In case family members are separated from one another during floods or
                      flashfloods (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and
                      childrenare at school), have a plan for getting back together.

                      Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact."
                      After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone
                      in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact
                      person.

                      Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a flood or
                      flash flood.
                      Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and
                      water.

                      Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and
                      whichradio station to tune to for emergency information.

                      Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program.
                      Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance. Homeowners policies do
                      notcover flood damage.

                      DURING A FLOOD WATCH

                           Listen to a batter-operated radio for the latest storm information.

                           Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water
                           becomescontaminated.

                           Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.

                           Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors or to safe
                           ground iftime permits.

                           If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities
                           atthe main switch and close the main gas valve.

                           Be prepared to evacuate.

                      DURING A FLOOD

                      If Indoors:

                           Turn on battery-operated radio or television to get the latest
                           emergencyinformation.

                           Get your preassembled emergency supplies.

                           If told to leave, do so immediately.

                      If Outdoors:

                           Climb to high ground and stay there.

                           Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly, even
                           water 6inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

                      If In A Car:

                           If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way.
                           If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher
                           ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled
                           vehicles.

                      DURING AN EVACUATION

                           If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
                           Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become
                           too deep forordinary vehicles to drive through.
                           Listen to a batter-operated radio for evacuation instructions.
                           Follow recommended evacuation routes--shortcuts may be blocked.
                           Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.

                      AFTER

                      Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a
                      radio ortelevision and don't return home until authorities indicate it is safe
                      to do so.

                      Remember to help your neighbors who may require special
                      assistance--infants,elderly people, and people with disabilities.

                      Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.

                      Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.

                      When entering buildings, use extreme caution.

                           Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights
                           whenexamining buildings.

                           Examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure that the
                           building is notin danger of collapsing.

                           Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that may have
                           come into your home with the flood waters. Use a stick to poke
                           through debris.

                           Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.

                           Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents for
                           insuranceclaims.

                      Look for fire hazards.

                           Broken or leaking gas lines

                           Flooded electrical circuits

                           Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances

                           Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream

                      Throw away food--including canned goods--that has come in contact
                      withflood waters.

                      Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water
                      per day) toavoid structural damage.

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

                      INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME

                      Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise,
                      open a window andquickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the
                      outside main valve if you canand call the gas company from a neighbor's
                      home. If you turn off the gas forany reason, it must be turned back on by
                      a professional.

                      Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed
                      wires, or if yousmell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse
                      box or circuit breaker. If youhave to step in water to get to the fuse box or
                      circuit breaker, call an electricianfor advice.

                      Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines
                      are damaged avoidusing the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are
                      damaged, contact the water companyand avoid the water from the tap.
                      You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.