Sacramento County Water Resources - Flood Safety: During a Flood

Monitor local weather forecasts. For example, you can call the Weatherline Forecast System at (916) 646-2000 for weather updates or tune your radio to either KFBK, 1530 AM or KSTE, 650 AM, or check your local television stations.
Be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if ordered to do so by authorities.
Adhere to any emergency orders of authorities.
Bring possessions inside the house or secure them.
Do not touch any electrical appliances that are wet or standing in water.
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

From Talking about Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999.

Flood Warning Type	Description*	When an alert is issued
Flood Watch	A flood is possible in your area	Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
Flood Warning	A flood is already occurring or will occur soon in your area	Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
Flash Flood Watch	A flash flood is possible in your area	Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
Flash Flood Warning	A flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon	If you think a flash flood has started already, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades...they are there for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

Floods can take several hours to days to develop while flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.
A Flash Flood Statement or Flood Statement is follow-up information regarding a flash flood/ or flood event.
An Urban and Small Stream Advisory means that flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas (such as railroad underpasses and urban storms drains) is occurring.

* The flood warning definitions above are based on those from the National Weather Service

Confine or secure your pets. Click here for more information about caring for your pets during a flood..
Call your family contact. Do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons, or families with infants.
Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
Stay away from downed power lines.

From Talking about Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages. Produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, D.C., 1999.