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The Region 6 office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining its federal, state and local partners in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to commemorate Flood Safety Awareness Week from March 18-22, 2013.

The week-long campaign provides an opportunity for emergency management experts to work together in sharing information about the dangers related to flooding, how to prepare for flood events and ways to prevent future damage from floods.

“Flooding is the nation’s number one natural disaster and it can happen in any of our regional states,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “We encourage homeowners, renters and business owners to find out if their home or business is at risk for flood and then take steps to address that risk.”

Before a Flood

· Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

· Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

· Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

During a Flood

· Listen to local officials and monitor your local radio or television for information.

· Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If it does, move immediately to higher ground.

· Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.

· Do not drive into flooded areas. Turn Around; Don’t Drown. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.

After a Flood

· Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

· Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened.

· Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Find more information on flooding, flood hazards, and flood insurance at http://www.floodsmart.gov, http://www.ready.gov/floods andwww.nws.noaa.gov/floodsafety/.