Contact: Donna Bigler, 240-777-6530 (Public Information)
Kathleen G. Henning, 240-777-2300 (Emergency Management) or
William Delaney, 240-777-2448 (Fire and Rescue Services)
For Immediate Release: August 14, 2001

Flooding Risk is High This Year;
County Offers Tips on How to Prepare

With the National Weather Service predicting an increased risk of flooding in the nation’s northeast region this year – particularly between late summer and early winter – Montgomery County’s Office of Emergency Management is offering residents tips on how to prepare so they can better protect their families and homes. Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters, killing approximately 600 people each year and causing millions of dollars in property damage, mostly from rushing water and debris.

“Preparedness is the key to ensuring that your family and property remain safe,” said Kathleen Henning, Program Coordinator for the County’s Office of Emergency Management.

A new flood brochure created by the Office of Emergency Management, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service; Maryland Emergency Management Agency; and the American Red Cross is available free of charge to residents by contacting the County’s Emergency Management Office at 240-777-2300. The brochure encourages homeowners to take the following precautions:

Before the Flood

• Create a disaster supplies kit – This should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, prescription medications, food supplies, bottles of water, credit cards and cash, an extra set of car keys, map of the area and phone numbers of places to go, personal identification, and other items such as diapers and hearing aid batteries for family members who may need special items.

• Develop a family disaster plan – Plan where you would go for safety if a flood required you to leave your home. Involve all family members in this planning process. Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your primary family contact.

• Protect home heating, water and electricity systems in your home – Have your furnace, water heater and electric panel raised to higher floors or put them in the attic if these systems are in a flood-prone area of the home, like the basement.

• Listen to the radio or television for updated emergency information – Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or a portable, battery-powered radio to get updated flood information.

• Keep on hand a minimum of three days supply of bottled water – Severe floods may interrupt utility services such as water. Store at least three gallons of water per person (one gallon per day). Additional water can be stored in your bathtub for washing and cleaning up. Remember that your need for liquids increases during times of stress and physical activity, which will occur after flooding conditions subside and you begin the hard work of recovery and clean up. Increase your fluid intake, and drink plenty of water daily.

• Head for higher ground – It’s best to do this before the situation becomes critical. If a flood warning has been issued, find higher ground immediately. It’s extremely important to note that floodwaters can appear in culverts and low lying areas even when there is no rain in the immediate area.

• Do not walk or drive through floodwaters – Water six inches deep is enough to knock a person over, and water less than two feet deep can sweep away a car. Driving into floodwaters causes most flood-related deaths.