Brown County of Minnesota

•  If You Experience Flooding in Your Home (PDF)

During a Flood

The following list includes action steps everyone can take to stay safe while flooding is in progress:

1. Stay informed: Listen to radio and TV reports; check the internet and social media for updates from local authorities.
2. Obey evacuation orders: If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low lying area, get to higher ground immediately. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
3. Practice electrical safety: Don't 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!
4. 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.
5. Turn around, don't drown: Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards.

During a Flash Flood

The following list includes action steps everyone can take to stay safe while flooding is in progress:

1. Stay informed: Listen to radio and TV reports; check the internet and social media for updates from local authorities.
2. Obey evacuation orders: If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low lying area, get to higher ground immediately. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
3. Practice electrical safety: Don't 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!
4. 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.
5. Turn around, don't drown: Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards.

Outside Resources

• Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on flooded roadways
  
  • Check highway conditions
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety
  • Flooding and flash flood resources
  • Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division
  • Volunteers and donations
• NOAA/NWS tips during a flood

Obtained from Minnesota Department of Public Safety; Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division