Floods

It is important to be aware of flood hazards regardless of where you live. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood.

Visit the Bryan County Flood webpage to familiarize yourself with the subject of flooding, and to become acquainted with the policies and programs related to flooding and floodplain management.  To prepare yourself for emergencies related to flooding, review our flood safety measure below. 

FLOOD SAFETY MEASURES

Measures can be taken to ensure the safety of life and property before, during and after a flood:

Before:

•Avoid building in a floodplain.

•Construct barriers (levees, berms, floodwalls) to stop water from entering your home.

•Seal walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

•Create floodway openings, by using engineered flood vents, in non-habitable areas such as garages.

•Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is possible.  A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon.

•Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications and take appropriate steps to protect pets.

•Designate a place where your family can meet after an evacuation order is lifted in case you get separate

•Know your evacuation route - visit the Emergency Services Interactive Map to find yours. 

During:

•If a flood is likely in our area, tune in to your local news stations or go online for information.

•Place sand bags to reduce erosion and scouring.

•Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves and disconnect electrical appliances.

•Elevate furniture & electronics.

•If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.

•If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

•If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.

•Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches of moving water can make you fall.

•If you have to walk in water wear rubber boots and walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. 

•Avoid outdoor floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage, and may also be electrically charged from damaged utility lines and equipment. In addition, snakes and wildlife will be displaced from their regular habitat.

•Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots. The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water. Attempting to drive through water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route. “Turn around, don’t drown”

After:

•Check local news or your utility’s website for messages about the safety of your water supply.

•Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded.  Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of an automobile.

•Stay away from downed power lines and damaged equipment, and report them to your power company.

•Return home only when you are told to do so by appropriate authorities that it is safe to do so.