Flood Watch or Flash Flood Watch Flooding is possible within the designated area – be alert and ready to evacuate if so informed.
Flood Warning or Flash Flood Warning Flooding is occurring, or is imminent, in the designated area. Take necessary precautions at once. Depending on how close you are to the designated area you should act quickly. You may only have minutes or a few seconds.
Urban and Small Stream Flooding Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas, such as at railroad underpasses and in urban storm drains is occurring within the designated area. You should act quickly and move to higher ground.
Safety Procedures:
- Listen to the radio or watch television weather broadcasts to keep appraised of weather watches or warnings.
- Listen to National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio broadcasts if a weather radio is available.
- Go online to track the storm and be aware of weather alerts/warnings at https://www.weather.gov/nwr/
- If a flood watch or warning occurs for the area you are in, move to higher ground immediately. Do not delay if a warning is posted.
- If you are in a campus building that begins to flood, notify University Police immediately at Ext. 36222 or 410-543-6222, then leave the building for a facility that is not flooding.
- When traveling DO NOT drive through flooded roadways. Remember a relatively small amount of running water can sweep your car downstream. The depth of the water is not always obvious.
- If a vehicle stalls in water, leave the vehicle immediately and move to higher ground.
- Be extra cautious when driving at night, for it is more difficult to recognize flood signs or water depth.
- During heavy rains or flood alerts, etc., do not park a vehicle near streams, rivers, or known flash flood areas.
- If caught outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there.
- DO NOT walk through or drink floodwater. Floodwater may contain fecal and other toxic matter from sewage, industrial chemicals, agricultural by-products and others sources. If you must come into contact with floodwater wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible after the contact.
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
After The Flood:
- Do not walk near flooded areas, buildings, etc., unseen dangers such as submerged electrical lines may be present.
- Be aware of abnormal animal activity, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into the area. Animals can be disoriented, defensive, or carry rabies.
- If walking into a building that has water damage be aware of loose plaster on ceilings, unstable door jams and floors, or walls that can cave in.
- Be aware of broken or leaking gas lines, electrical lines, flammable materials, and explosive materials that have been carried down from another area.
- Do not eat any food including canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters.
- Be aware of cracked or damaged building foundations prior to entering a building.
- Notify University Police of any hazardous situation you observe at Ext. 36222 or 410-543-6222.