BEFORE

• Use the Cape May County Flood Inundation Maps
• Find out if you live in a flood prone area from your Local Emergency Management office or  opens in a new windowAmerican Red Crosschapter.
• Ask whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn 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 waters from 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. (see emergency checklists for more info)
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non electric 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 flash floods (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are 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 which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Learn about the  opens in a new windowNational Flood Insurance Program.
• Ask your insurance agent about flood insurance. Homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.

DURING A FLOOD WATCH

• Listen to a battery operated radio for the latest storm information.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
• Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
• Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground if time permits.
• If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the 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 emergency information.
• 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 6 inches 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 for ordinary 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.
• Cape May County Evacuation Map