Today, Congressman Rick Crawford urged Arkansans to prepare for potential flooding and flash flooding as a result of rains from Hurricane Isaac.

“With rains from Hurricane Isaac now reaching Arkansas, we must prepare for potential flooding and flash flooding situations. Additionally, if flooding does indeed occur my staff and I will be working to make operations with FEMA, the American Red Cross and state of local agencies are coordinated and that appropriate federal declarations are made,” said Crawford. “Americans in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida know the power of this storm. As we keep them in our thoughts and prayers please watch local weather reports and use the above information to keep your family and property safe.”

Here are a few guidelines from the US Army to prepare:

How to Prepare for a Flood:

• Determine if your home, farm or business is in a flood plain
• Stay informed about weather conditions and know flood terminology:

o Flood Watch– Flooding is possible, stay tuned to radio or TV for more information.

o Flash Flood Watch– Flash flooding is possible, stay tuned to TV or radio for more information.

o Flood Warning– Flooding is currently occurring or will occur soon. Listen for further instruction. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

o Flash Flood Warning—Flash flooding is currently occurring or will occur soon. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.

• Get an emergency supply kit, and store it where it can be accessed by all family members.
• Know your installation’s plan, and develop an evacuation procedure as a family.
• Develop a communication plan in case you are not together during evacuation.
• Identify where you can go if you need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.
• Keep enough fuel in your car’s tank to evacuate. Expect a high volume of slow traffic.

What to Do If There Is a Flood:

• Stay tuned to the radio or TV for further information and instructions.
• If you are ordered to evacuate:

o Take only essential items.

o Turn off gas, electricity and water.

o Disconnect appliances.

o Do not walk in moving water.

o Do not drive in flood water. As little as six inches of water can cause loss of control and stalling of a vehicle.

o Follow the designated evacuation procedure.

• If you are NOT ordered to evacuate:

o Stay tuned to emergency stations on radio or TV.

o Listen for further instructions.

o Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged.

• Once you are in a safe place, report to your command if you are military or government civilian personnel or a member of the selective reserves.

What to Do After a Flood

• Listen to news reports to make sure water supplies are not contaminated.
• Stay clear of flood waters, standing and moving, as they may be contaminated or deeper than expected.
• Beware of downed power lines.
• Avoid any roads where flood waters have receded as they may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Be extremely cautious when entering buildings and homes, as there may be unseen damage.
• Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood water, as it can contain sewage and other contaminants.

Where to Find Additional Information
• Ready Army—www.ready.army.mil
• American Red Cross—www.redcross.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)— www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/readiness.asp
• Department of Homeland Security (Ready.gov)— www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/floods.html
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm