MCDH Prepare!

McHenry County Department of Health

Emergency Response Program

Working to protect the health and safety of McHenry County Residents
by planning for and responding to public health emergencies

Natural Disasters - Floods

Floods

In the United States, floods are a common natural disaster. They are classified into Riverine Floods (which develop slowly over a period of days) and Flash Floods (which develop quickly). Flooding can also result from a breach of a levee or dam. Everyone needs to be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area or near water. Small rivers, creeks and dry streambeds that seem harmless in a dry weather can flood.

The McHenry County Planning Division can help you determine if your property lies in a floodplain.

What to do before a flood

1. Know these important terms:

Flood Watch – Flooding is possible. Tune in to a radio or television station for more information. A Flood Watch may be issued 12 to 36 hours before a possible event.
Flash Flood Watch – Flash Flooding is possible. You should be make plans to move to higher ground. Flash Flooding can happen with little warning, so listen to a radio or television station for more information.
Flood Warning – Flooding is occurring or will occur presently. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Warning – Flash Flooding is occurring. Immediately proceed on foot to higher ground.

2. Learn whether or not your home is in a high-risk area. Find out what the flood warning signals are in your community. Ask what you can do to protect your home from flooding.

3. Locate any dams in your area and find out if they are a hazard to you.

4. Purchase a battery-powered or battery backed-up radio (either a NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio).

5. Be prepared to evacuate and know your area’s evacuation routes.

6. Create an emergency plan for your household.

7. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Be aware that there is a 30 day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect.

What to do during a flood

1. If the possibility of flash flooding exists, immediately go to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions.

2. Tune in to radio or television stations for emergency information.

3. Be conscious of areas known to flood suddenly.

4. If a flood watch is announced, prepare to evacuate. If time permits, secure your home, move essential items to upper floors, turn off utilities, disconnect electrical appliances and fill the bathtub with water (in the event that water service is cut off).

5. Do not walk through moving water. Even shallow moving water (six inches) can knock you off of your feet. If you must walk through a flooded area, move through an area where the water is still.

6. Do not drive though flooded areas.

What to do after a flood

1. Avoid floodwaters that might be potentially contaminated or electrically charged

2. Avoid walking or driving through moving water.

3. Be conscious of previously flooded areas. Even if waters have receded, roads may have been significantly weakened

4. Keep away from downed power lines and notify the power company of their location.

5. Keep away from designated disaster areas unless volunteers are requested.

6. Only go back to your home when authorities have said it is safe to do so.

7. Be aware of health and safety needs:

Observe good hand washing practices.
Dispose of food that has been in contact with floodwaters.
Listen to the news to ensure your community’s water is not contaminated.
Listen to the news to learn where you can get assistance for food, housing and clothing.
Seek appropriate medical care.

8. Service damaged sewage systems that could be a health hazard.

9. Contact your insurance agent.

(Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness.)

For More Information, Please Visit

Other Natural Disasters

McHenry County Online ~ MCDH Online

McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N Seminary Ave, Annex A
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

Telephone (815) 334-4510

Fax (815) 338-7661