Flooding is a hazard that Pierce Township is not immune to. Floods can range from slow rising and slow falling Ohio River waters to rapidly rising and falling flash floods on many of the creeks and streams. In the event of a flood here are a few tips to help minimize the danger and impact:

Before a flood:

  1. Know at what levels your property is impacted.
  2. Create a communications Plan.
    • It is important to be able to communicate with your family and friends in the event of a disaster. Whether it is having a specific person identified to contact for status updates or a safe location to meet up with family members, having a plan in place will give you peace of mind if disaster does strike.
  3. Assemble an Emergency Kit.
    • It is good practice to have enough food, water, and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least 3 days in the case of an emergency. Water service may be interrupted or unsafe to drink and food requiring little cooking and no refrigeration may be needed if electric power is interrupted. You should also have batteries, blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio easily available.
  4. Signup for Notifications.
    • The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service provides RSS feeds for observed forecast and alert river conditions to help keep the public informed about local water conditions found at https://water.weather.gov/ahps/rss/index.php.
  5. Prepare your home.
    • Have a professional install check-valves in plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure your sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are clearly marked for each area of your home.
    • Adequately secure propane tanks and home heating oil tanks.
    • Secure outdoor items such as sheds, trailers, furniture etc. to avoid them being lost in the flood.
    • Secure and store chemicals, fuels, fertilizers, paints, environmental hazards etc. in a location safe from flood waters.
  6. Prepare your family and pets.
    • You may be evacuated, so pack in advance.
    • Know the rules of your shelter location.
    • Have a plan for pet sheltering in the event you cannot shelter them with you.
  7. Charge your essential electronics.
    • Make sure all portable communication devices and lighting are charged in case you lose power. If possible, have spare batteries and spare, charged electronic backup power supplies.
  8. Leave
    • In the event that it is likely your home will flood, don’t wait until the flood waters are at your doorstep!

Securing Propane Tanks

During a flood:

  1. Stay Informed.
    • Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
  2. Get to higher ground.
    • If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
  3. Obey Evacuation Orders.
    • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
  4. Practice electrical safety.
    • Do not go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises–get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
  5. Avoid flood waters.
    • Don’t walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

After a flood:

  1. Stay Informed:
    • Stay tuned to your local news for updated information on road conditions. Ensure water is safe to drink, cook or clean with after a flood. Authorities may ask you to boil water for a while after a flood. Utility companies often have apps to update you on getting service back. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms when areas are dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.
  2. Avoid flood waters.
    • Standing water hides many dangers including toxins and chemicals. There may be sharp objects under the water, or the road could have collapsed. If it is likely your home will flood, don’t wait for an evacuation order, get out! Talk to friends and family about emergency visits. If you have pets, take them with you or get them somewhere safe.
  3. Avoid disaster areas.
    • Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
  4. Obey Road Closed and Cautionary signs.
    • Road closures and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety. Pay attention to them!
  5. Wait for the “All Clear”.
    • Do not enter a flood-damaged home or building until you’re given the All Clear by authorities. If you enter a flood-damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can cause floods to collapse, ceilings to fall, etc. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off. Have the power company or a qualified electrician fix the wires. Contact your insurance agent to discuss property damage.
  6. Be on the look out for propane tanks, fuel can, compressed gas cylinders, unrecognized containers.
    • If found do not attempt to move.
    • Contact local authorities.
  7. Contact your family and loved ones.
    • Let your family and close friends know that you’re okay so they can help spread the word.

For further information check out the following pages

National Weather Service

Ready.gov/floods

FEMA