Flood Safety

The following information is intended to help you if you find yourself in a flooding situtation. It is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of what-to-do in a flood event.

Before and During a Flood Event

• Stay alert to weather conditions and forecasts for flood or flash flooding in you area.
• If you need to evacuate your home or business, stay calm and don’t panic.
• If time permits, turn off all utilities at the main switch and don’t touch anything electrical.
• Report downed power lines immediately. REMEMBER: Any source of electricity should be considered dangerous during and after a flood event.
• Don’t walk or drive through moving water!! Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, contact the Utility Company immediately. Use flashlights for light and avoid open flames (candles, matches, etc.)

After a Flood Event

• To avoid injury, pay attention to debris or slippery surfaces.
• Clean everything that got wet. Floodwaters pick up contaminants from roads, farms, and buildings turning everyday household items into health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out!

Douglas County is a StormReady community. StormReady, a program started in 1999 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, helps communities establish the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before and during storm events. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs making StormReady communities better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness. While no community is storm proof, StormReady can help communities save lives.

To learn more, please contact the Douglas County Emergency Management Department at (785) 832-5259 or visit https://www.douglascountyks.org/depts/em/em_home.aspx.