What to do in a flood: before, during and after
Never walk, swim or drive through flood water; turn around. Go higher, and do not go home until the authorities say it is safe.
BeforeBefore a disaster
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Sign up for your community's warning system.
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Make a household plan that includes pets, and practise evacuation routes and what to do in a flash flood.
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Learn the flood warning signs and warning systems where you live.
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Ask your municipality how you will be informed and sheltered in an emergency, and how evacuation works in your neighbourhood.
DuringDuring a disaster
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Evacuate immediately if you are told to. Never drive around barriers.
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Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. Turn around.
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Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
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Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
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If you are trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic.
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Ankle-deep floodwater can sweep a person away; knee-deep water can carry off a car.
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Half of flash-flood deaths happen in vehicles: never drive along a road covered by water.
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If your vehicle breaks down in water, leave it at once and get to higher ground.
AfterAfter a disaster
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Return home only when the authorities say it is safe.
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Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
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Do not wade in floodwater: it can be contaminated, hide debris, and power lines can charge it with electricity.
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Use a generator only outdoors and away from windows.
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When checking buildings, wear waterproof shoes and use a battery torch.
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Do not use food that stayed in the house during the flood, canned food included.
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Take photos of the damaged areas for insurance.
Official sources
Every step in this guide is based on one of these pages.
- Ready.gov (FEMA) Floods Page date: · Checked:
- National Weather Service Turn Around Don't Drown Checked:
- AFAD Sel Checked:
- AFAD (Bursa İl Müdürlüğü) Afete Hazır Aile Checked:
A short summary of the sources below, checked against them. Read a source for the full advice.
This guide works offline and summarises public official pages. It is not a live or official announcement; follow the authorities' instructions.