WHEN FLOODING IS PREDICTED FOR YOUR AREA

• Check TV and radio often for official bulletins.
• Fuel car.
• Check mobile home tiedowns.
• Adjust moorings on watercraft or move to safer shelter.
• Stock up on canned provisions.
• Check supplies of special medicines and drugs.
• Check batteries for radio and flashlights.
• Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.
• Elevate lawn equipment and machinery.
• Inventory flood protection supplies and equipment.

WHEN A FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED

• Stay tuned to TV and radio for official bulletins.
• Move valuables to upper floors or attic.
• Raise appliances above predicted flood levels.
• Bring in pets.
• Fill containers with several days’ supply of drinking water.
• Use the phone only for emergencies.
• Implement a flood protection plan
  (sandbagging, wrapping, closing levee gaps).

STAY OR LEAVE

When a flood threatens your area, you will have to make the decision to either evacuate or stay safely at home. IF LOCAL AUTHORITIES RECOMMEND EVACUATION, YOU SHOULD LEAVE!
If you decide to leave, follow this advice:

• Leave early – in daylight if possible.
• Shut off water and electricity at main stations.
• Take small valuables and papers, but travel light.
• Provide for animals and pets that shelters will not take.
• Lock your house.
• Use recommended evacuation routes to carefully drive to safe shelter.
• Avoid driving through standing or flowing water.

DURING THE FLOOD EVENT

To minimize damage to property and loss of life, the National Weather Service will issue a FLASH FLOOD WATCH. Local flooding can be expected within 12-24 hours. A FLOOD WARNING is issued for the river when flood waters are expected to exceed flood stage at any point on the river. In the Amite Basin, flood warnings may be issued 24-60 hours in
advance of the crest. For your own well being and that of others, please take flooding very seriously.

• Stay tuned to the TV and radio for information and official instructions.
• Stay out of disaster areas.
• Do not drink tap water until it has been determined to be safe.
• Do not attempt to travel until roads have been declared open.
• Drive carefully along debris-filled streets. Roads may be undermined and may collapse under weight.
• Stay clear of any downed or low hanging power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Report broken sewers or water mains.
• Be exceptionally careful to prevent fires.
• DO NOT USE THE TELEPHONE, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCIES.
• Check with neighbors to see if help is needed.
• When cooking without gas or electricity, good ventilation is extremely important. Bottled gas burners or several candles taped together are safe and efficient for cooking. NEVER burn charcoal indoors.
• Always have a fire extinguisher handy.
• Always follow manufacturers recommendations for ventilation.

RETURNING TO YOUR FLOOD DAMAGED HOME

• USE EXTREME CAUTION!
• Before entering a damaged building, check for structural damage and possible imminent collapse.
• When entering a damaged building, do not use an open flame as a light source.
• Be sure children are safe and in good hands.
• Keep chemicals used for disinfecting and poisons used for insect and rodent control out of the reach of children.
• Wear protective clothing and rubber gloves when cleaning.
• Disconnect main electrical switches and circuits. Remove covers from all outlets and fuses or multi-breaker boxes. When dry, spray outlets and boxes with contact cleaner/lubricant.
• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage if power has been off during the event.

DRINKING WATER AFTER FLOODING
In case of localized flooding, please call the Ascension Parish Health Unit at 225-644-4582 for information regarding safety actions for your private water well.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Flood Plain Management Available
Information on the 100-Year Base Flood Evaluations and Flood Zone Determinations can be obtained from the Ascension Parish Department of Planning and Development, 42077 Churchpoint Rd. in Gonzales. The telephone number is 225-621-5700. Residents needing this information can also access information at any Ascension Parish Library.

For More Information
If you would like more information please call or email the following:
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).........225-298-5481
www.la.water.usgs.gov/ascensionparishflood.html
Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District..........225-296-4900
www.amitebasin.org
National Weather Service (NWS)..........985-645-0565
www.noaa.gov
The Louisiana District of the USGS displays available current river stage data at www.la.water.usgs.gov. During floods, a voice message give the latest river stages during floods at 225-383-0000 extension 4444.