Be Prepared in Case of Flooding

As you probably know, another storm is brewing - Hurricane Odile.  It is predicted to follow the same path as hurricane Norbert, bringing thunder storms tonight and tomorrow with heavy raining Wednesday through Thursday and possible repeat showers this weekend.  However, tropical storms are extremely hard to predict.  This could be a drizzle, or this could be deja vu.  As a precaution, there is a flash flood watch issued through this Thursday, September 18th.

Officials warn that now is the time to prepare if you are concerned about flooding in your area.  Here are some things you can do to be prepared:

Have sand bags on hand. Sand is available at various locations around the Valley to make your own sand bags. These can be used in order to barricade your doors and garages in the event of flooding. Go here for a list of locations.  Actual bags to bag the sand are running out, so be prepared and bring your own bags.   

Clean out rain gutters and fix landscape problems that might lead to water backing up and causing problems on your property. I know my brother-in-law is working on making a clear path for water from his back door since they had water pooling up there and entering the house during last week's storm. In addition, make sure your streets gutters and storm drains are free from debris.

Move important items to an upper floor if you have one. If not, place valuables and important documents or other items up high.  Back up computers with important document and other electronic equipment. 

Pick up your yard.  Secure outdoor toys and furniture, bring them inside or under your porch.

Get out the flashlights and restock batteries.

Have a plan.  If the power goes out for too long or if you have flooding, where are you going to go?  Where is your meeting point if your lines of communication are down?  What is the plan for your pets?  Do your pets have proper identification?  No one wants their pets to run away because they are scared of all the thunder, rain and wind.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.  And do NOT cross those flooded washes.

If you need to evacuate your home, turn off your electricity at the main power switch and close your main gas valve. 

Also, check out this article to understand why many of our Mesa, AZ homes flooded.

Thanks to Kathryn's post here and this article from Arizona Capital Times for help in research for this article.