/ first_moves
Do these first
/ failure_mode
How this plan fails
Familiar roads, bridges, and underpasses can fail under water. Do not drive or walk through floodwater just because the route was safe yesterday.
/ avoid
Do not spend your first mistake here
- Entering a flooded basement when electricity may still be present.
- Letting kids or pets play in floodwater.
Floodwater hides depth, current, debris, chemicals, sewage, holes, and live electrical hazards. The familiar route is not familiar once water is on it.
Before water rises, move critical items up: medication, documents, chargers, radio, go-bags, and shoes. If evacuation is likely, leave while the route still has margin. A late evacuation can turn a car into a trap.
After water enters a home, treat contamination seriously. Separate clean water from questionable water, do not eat food touched by floodwater, and wait for local instructions on electricity, gas, and water safety.
The safest flood move is usually the earliest one.