Before a flood -- Get prepared now!
Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building or basement. Have the supplies you need (sand, sandbags, polyethylene sheeting, heavy trash bags, duct tape, etc.) that you will need to construct barriers.
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
Have sump pumps installed / ready. Ensure they are in proper working order.
Monitor weather conditions if potential flooding is likely. For Sturgis specific information from the NOAA, including alerts, warnings and advisories, visit National Weather Service Forecast: Sturgis
Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
Do not leave your home unless you have to evacuate.
Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
After a flood
Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Avoid moving water.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Disinfectants help stop the growth of disease-causing microorganisms carried in floodwater. More information