Flooding

Flood Preparedness and Safety

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Rushing Water can be dangerous (15-second video)

Flooding can happen anywhere;
and flooding is Mecklenburg County’s most common -
and most expensive - natural disaster.

Safety Tips: Before, During & After a Flood

Tips to Prepare for Flooding

• Know the types of flood risk in your area. Remember, flooding can happen anywhere, even outside of a floodplain.

• Make a plan for your household so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding.

• Build a "Go Kit" of the supplies you will need if you have to quickly evacuate your home.

• Sign up forCharMeck Alerts to receive timely and accurate emergency information, including updates on flooding.

Tips for Staying Safe During Flooding

• Depending on where you are, go to the safe location that you have identified. If you are not able to shelter in place or with family, go to a public shelter.

• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

• Do not walk or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Tips for Staying Safe After Flooding

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

• Avoid driving except in emergencies.

• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.

• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris.

These safety tips are courtesy of Ready.gov.

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Stay Safe: Buy Flood Insurance

Did you know that traditional homeowner and renter insurance policies do not cover flooding? Luckily, the National Flood Insurance Program is available to all (even if you don’t live in a floodplain). Please remember, there is typically a 30-day waiting period after you purchase. Learn more at Floodsmart.gov.

• CRS Flood Insurance Discounts

• National Flood Insurance Risk Rating 2.0- Rate Explanation Guide

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View the Latest Rainfall and Creek Data

You can locate the latest rainfall and creek data throughout the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County by visiting the Flood Information Notification System or FINS. This system alerts local fire, police, emergency management and MEDIC to the threat or actual danger of flooding. It is a partnership involving the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the US Geological Survey. Across the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, there are 71 rain gauges that collect rainfall data. Forty-six of these gauges send warnings to emergency responders. Our area also has 52 stream gauges that collect information. Fourteen send warnings to emergency responders when issues arise.

FINS questions? Contact:

Joshua McSwain

IT Project Manager

704.336.4918

Joshua.McSwain@MeckNC.gov

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Watch Flood Safety Videos