after

a flood
Before re-entering a flooded home or business, check
the foundation, walls and roof to make sure they are
safe. If you aren’t sure, have a building inspector check
the integrity of the structure as well as the water, gas,
electric and sewer lines.

Check for interior damage such as loose plaster or
damaged ceilings. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
Don’t use candles or lanterns unless you are sure that
the gas has been turned off.

Report any downed power lines to your utility company.

Be alert for snakes and other displaced wildlife that may
have sought shelter in your home.

Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet.
Take them to a professional to be cleaned and dried.

Some appliances, such as television sets, can shock you
even after they have been unplugged.

Throw away any food and medicine that may have been in
contact with floodwater.

Have upholstery, rugs and carpets professionally cleaned.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm
Water Services WORKS To:

Prevent Or Reduce The Loss Of Life, Disruption Of
Services, And Damages Caused By Floods.

Provide The Community With A Quality Storm Drainage
System That Is Safe, Clean And Cost Effective.

Preserve And Restore The Natural And Beneficial
Functions Of The Flood Plain.

Protect And Restore The Quality And Usability Of Our
Surface Water.
d
o
o
Fl ty
safe
Flood Safety
Flooding Or Drainage Problems:
704-336-RAIN
Flood Insurance:
1-800-427-4661
704-336-3734
Repairs And Building Permits:
704-336-2831
Health And Safety Tips After Floods:
704-336-5102
Report Water Pollution:
704-336-5500
704-336-rain
before it floods


Buy flood insurance. Standard homeowner’s insurance
does not cover flood damage. Because of special flood
risk reduction efforts, Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents
are eligible for discounts of up to 25% on their flood
insurance premiums.
Find out if your property is in a designated flood zone.
Go to http://stormwater.charmeck.org. Click on “Is my
property in a flood zone?” Open the map and click on the
“Search “ tab at the top. Or call 704-336-4237.

Create an inventory of your personal property and its
approximate value. Save receipts from expensive items.

Keep the list, receipts and photos in a waterproof,
fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

Make sure storm drains near your home or business are
clear of debris, yard waste, and litter.

Keep a supply of fresh water on hand.
During
a flood

If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

Turn off the water, electricity and natural gas at your
home.

Don’t drive through flood water or around flood
barricades. Water that’s 18-inches deep will carry away
a vehicle, even an SUV or a bus. 80% of flood-related
deaths occur in vehicles.

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and get to higher ground.
Don’t try to push it out of the water.

Don’t walk through flowing water. The current in just
6-inches of water can sweep you off your feet.

Don’t let children play near creeks or streams when the
water is rising.

Flooded streets, creeks and streams are very
unpredictable. The water may be deeper than it appears.
Heavy rain upstream can cause water to rise rapidly even
if it is not raining near you.

Avoid contact with floodwaters as they are polluted with
raw sewage, bacteria, motor oil, chemicals and other
contaminants.
Turn Around!
Don’ t Drown!