How to Prepare for — and How to Ride Out — a Flood

(TNS) — In the wake of the disastrous flash flooding in Texas, which left at least 82 dead so far with more people still missing, getting an alert on your phone about a flood watch in Pennsylvania might cause more anxiety than usual.

The Keystone state is certainly no stranger to dangerous floods historically, especially with the record-setting levels of rainfall we’ve seen this spring.

And thus readers may be concerned seeing that the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties starting at 2 p.m. today.

The alert extendsthrough this evening and includes the cities of Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lebanon and York, and is accompanied by a severe thunderstorm watch.

Slow-moving thunderstorms could lead to flash flooding, and “excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the alert reads. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”

While this remains a flood watch and has not yet escalated to a flood warning, it pays to be prepared. Here are some tips from federal agencies about how to stay informed and stay safe.

How to get alerts

The National Weather Service sends out WEA — Wireless Emergency Alert — messages to cellphones in affected areas.

You can check the settings on your phone to ensure you receive them. More information on WEA messages can be found on the Federal Communications Commission website.

In addition to cell phones, alerts are sent out through the NOAA Weather Radio, via news broadcasts, the Emergency Alert system on radio and television, and other mobile and electronic sources.

In event of a flood

If you want to be prepared, the National Weather Service has the following tips and strategies on their website:

• Create a Communications Plan for your family, including potentially arranging for a safe location to meet in the event of a flood.
• Assemble an Emergency Kit that includes food, water and medicine for at least 3 days, in case utility services such as electricity, plumbing and gas are interrupted. Other good items to have prepared are blankets, batteries, flashlights, first aid kids, rubber boots and gloves, and a battery-operated radio.
• Know Your Risk, such as whether your home, business or school is in a floodplain, which roads are likely to gather water, and the fastest way to higher ground.
• Prepare Your Home if given enough time. Barriers can be made with sandbags, check-valves installed in plumbing can prevent flood waters from backing up in drains, and acquire flood insurance if needed.
• Prepare your Family/Pets in case of an emergency evacuation. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.
• Charge Your Essential Electronics such as cell phones or radios, and have backup batteries.
• Leave if your home is likely to flood, and don’t wait until evacuation orders are issued.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has advice for flood preparations, and what to do should you find yourself in a flood situation.

While on the road

• Don’t drive through flood waters, or go around road barricades.

“As little as six inches of flooding can cause you to lose control of your vehicle,” the FEMA website reads. “Flood waters can also contain chemicals, bacteria or debris — including electricity if power lines are down — so it’s important to not make contact."

• Drivers should avoid bridges spanning fast-moving water in flood situations.

Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.

• Stay in your car if it gets swept away

It’s safer than trying to brave flood waters. If your vehicle starts to fill with water, get to the roof.

While at home

Evacuate when ordered. If you’re unable to evacuate, follow these tips:

• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building.
• Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help.
• Do not climb into a closed attic. You want to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

Water safety

Floodwater may be contaminated, so do not use it to drink, wash dishes, brush teeth or prepare food.

Listen for boil water advisories and throw away any food or bottled water than may have come into contact with floodwater.

Keep warm

Storms may cause temperatures to fall, so be prepared to keep warm — especially if the storm or flooding has also cut power to your area.

Stay indoors and dry when possible and avoid exposure to cold and damp conditions. If using a generator, make sure it is at least 20 feet away from windows, doors or ventilation points.

For more FEMA tips, such as documenting damages, details on filing insurance claims, and cleaning up after a flood, visit their website here.

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.