Floods and flash flooding are the leading weather-related causes of death and may pose a threat to your child care and education program.

Things You Can Do Before a Flood Arrives (Preparedness & Mitigation)

Ask your local building inspector or Red Cross chapter if the center is in a flood hazard area.
If in a flood hazard area, be sure the program has flood insurance for the facility.
Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater backup in sewer drains.
Consider elevating the center's main electric panel board, outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heating, and wiring to at least 12" above projected flood elevation. All center electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician.
Request to review the community Flood Evacuation Plan from your local Emergency Management
Agency, and use it to design your program Evacuation Plan, with several alternate routes identified.
Practice the evacuation plan. Teach older children how to call for emergency help and
which radio station to turn to for emergency information.
Prepare a disaster suplly kit: flashlights; battery operated radio; spare batteries; first aid kit; manual can opener; canned food; water, tissues, plastic garbage and zip-lock bags, blankets, water purifying tablets, air mattresses, and sturdy shoes. Place valuable documents (health records/contact information/center licenses) in zip-lock bags.
If in a flood-prone area, stockpile emergency building materials, such as plywood, nails, hammer,
saw, plastic sheeting, shovels and sandbags.
Bring outdoor items, such as tricycles, movable playground equipment, and outdoor furniture inside.
Move valuable items, such as computers to upper floors or safe ground, if time permits.
Fill vehicles with gas.
Fill sinks and plastic containers with clean water in case the local water supply becomes contaminated.
Know how to turn off utilities at the main switch and close the main gas valve if needed.
Be prepared to evacuate.
If time permits, sandbag the bottoms of the doors.

Things You Can Do During a Flood (Response)

INDOORS: Monitor radio/television for storm updates; Retrieve your emergency supplies; If
advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow evacuation routes planned.
OUTDOORS: Climb to high ground and stay there. Avoid walking through flood water.
IN A SCHOOL BUS/VEHICLE: If you approach a flooded area, turn around and go another
way. If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and go to high ground.

Things You Can Do After Flooding (Recovery)

Do not travel until authorities advise that it is safe. Monitor radio/TV for this information.
Use extreme caution when wandering out after a flood and when entering a building. Inspect
the foundation for structural damage or cracks.
Contact your local Health/Environmental Health Department for information regarding
sanitizing/disinfecting all supplies and surfaces. Be sure the Health Department has inspected the facility for cleanliness and has done bacterial testing before reopening for children.
Provide opportunities for children and staff recovery from the fear they may have experienced.

Information compiled by Beryl Cheal and Paula Mydlenski

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