The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services today announced that March 13-19, 2016, is Flood Safety Preparedness Week and reminded all New Yorkers to have an emergency preparedness plan in place to keep family members safe in the event of flooding or severe storms which impacts families, businesses and communities every year. As winter exits and spring storms become more frequent,  Flood Safety Preparedness Week  is an important reminder to be prepared not only for flooding, but for any type of weather event.

“Flooding can occur any time of year in our state and is the most frequent hazard we face,“ said John Melville, Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “It is our responsibility as citizens to prepare our homes, families and businesses for any type of hazard, and the best way to stay safe and recover quickly from storms and flooding is to have a plan in place, build a kit and stay informed.”

One way New Yorkers can prepare for any emergency or disaster is by attending a Citizen Preparedness training course offered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), in conjunction with the New York National Guard. The training, offered across the state, gives residents the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible. Since its implementation two years ago at the Governor’s request, nearly 100,000 New Yorkers have completed a Citizens Preparedness training course. Visit www.prepare.ny.gov  to register to attend an upcoming training course or take a condensed version of the training online.

“Make a plan, put together emergency supplies in advance, and stay informed – that means keeping an eye on the weather, and listening to and following emergency instructions when issued," added Commissioner Melville.  “Make sure everyone in your family knows the plan and where your emergency supplies are.”

To stay informed about flood warnings and severe storms, New Yorkers can sign up for NY Alert at https://users.nyalert.gov/.  Launched nearly nine years ago, approximately five million New Yorkers currently receive text or voice message alerts to stay informed about a variety of topics including severe storms, traffic delays, radiological events and others.

Below are flood preparation safety tips: 

• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
• DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
• Make an itemized list – as well as potentially photo and video documentation -- of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place. 
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency water-proofing.
• Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.

For a list of complete list of weather terms and preparation ideas before during and after a flood, visit the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/safety-info/flood/floodprepare.cfm.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and its four offices -- Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications --  provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.