Flood Preparedness

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States. Understanding your risk and taking a few steps now can reduce damage and keep you safe.

How to Stay Safe

  • Stay informed. If flooding is possible, the Town and County will issue alerts. Sign up for AlertSCC and the Town’s NotifyMe.
    – AlertSCC
    – NotifyMe

  • Never enter floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult; about one foot can carry away many cars; two feet can carry away most SUVs and trucks.

  • Know your local risk. Use official maps and plan now so you can act quickly if flooding occurs.

Know Your Flood Risk

  • FEMA Flood Map Service Center: View your property’s mapped risk and nearby flood zones.

  • Plan your evacuation. Identify routes from your home to higher ground and practice them with your household. Make a plan for pets and anyone with access or functional needs.

Protecting Your Home

For ways to reduce flood damage (elevating utilities, backflow protection, sealing, drainage, and more), see FEMA’s homeowner guidance:

Sandbags: If flooding is likely, Valley Water provides seasonal sandbag sites for County residents.

  • Flood insurance. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. National Flood Insurance Program policies typically take about 30 days to become effective. Plan ahead.
    – FEMA/NFIP
    – FloodSmart (learn about coverage, find an agent): 

  • Protect records. Store important documents in a waterproof container and keep password-protected digital copies in secure cloud storage.

Prepare • Survive • Be Safe

Prepare (Before)

  • Know your risk

  • Sign up for alerts; practice evacuation routes.

  • Build a go bag for each person and pet. Include medications, water/food, flashlight, batteries, chargers, and backups for power-dependent medical devices.
    – Ready.gov kit guide

Survive (During)

  • If under a flood warning, seek safe shelter right away.

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater; never go around barricades.

  • If your vehicle is stuck in moving water, stay inside unless water is rising inside—then move to the roof and signal for help.

  • Follow instructions from local officials and trusted sources.
    – Flood safety: https://www.ready.gov/floods

Be Safe (After)

  • Return home only when officials say it is safe.

  • Avoid floodwater; it may contain debris, contaminants, or energized lines.

  • Wear gloves and boots during cleanup; treat wet electrical equipment with caution.

Dam-related scenarios

Dam-related emergencies are uncommon, but they may require rapid evacuation. If officials issue an evacuation due to an issue at Lexington Reservoir, act immediately: follow AlertSCC and first-responder instructions, take your go bag, assist household members with access or functional needs, and head to higher ground using your pre-planned routes.
– AlertSCC
– Ready.gov kit

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