Flood Safety

Floods can happen anytime, anywhere.  Make sure you are prepared!

Before the Flood
  • Have a flood evacuation plan in place before flooding occurs
  • Know your evacuation route (PDF)
  • Currituck County does NOT operate pre-storm shelters
  • Prepare an emergency kit
  • Make an inventory of your home’s contents with photos and/or video
  • Sign up for Currituck Alert, Currituck County’s mass notification system
  • Follow evacuation orders
  • Lock all doors and windows before leaving your home
  • Turn off the electricity at the main breaker as needed
  • Unplug appliances
  • Turn off gas at the outside source if you know how
  • Secure outdoor items
  • Take important documents
During the Flood

Caution sign - When Flooded, Turn Around, Don't DrownTurn Around, Don’t Drown!

DO NOT
  • walk
  • swim
  • or drive

through flood waters.

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water. Flood waters may be deep or contaminated.

If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.

After the Flood
  • Return home only when authorities say it is safe
  • Avoid wading in floodwater. Floodwater can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Photograph damage to your property
  • Contact your insurance agent
  • Throw out any food, including canned items, that was not maintained at a proper temperature or has been exposed to floodwaters.  Do not eat food from a flooded garden.  When in doubt, throw it out
  • Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up

Follow 5 basic steps:

  1.  Air Out
  2.  Move Out
  3.  Tear Out
  4.  Clean Out
  5.  Dry Out

Seek out professional services and/or guidance before attempting to repair flood-damaged property.