Prepare for Spring Flooding in Utah

How to Prepare

Know flood risks. Check to see if you live in a flood zone or high-risk area (Flood Map/FEMA QR code).

Be aware of runoff in streams, drainage channels, ditches, and other waterways near your home.

Consider flood insurance. Homeowner policies don’t cover floods; you need a separate policy.

Document personal property with photos or video. Safely store it and other valuable documents away from your home.

Be familiar with your utilities. Locate switches and valves for electricity, gas, and water, and know how to safely turn them off.

Prepare to evacuate your home.

• Know when and how to safely evacuate.
• Establish a meeting place in case you become separated during evacuation.
• Select an out-of-town contact to inform of your safety.
• Prepare and maintain 72-hour kits for each family member and an emergency kit for your vehicle.
• Plan for pet care. Emergency shelters may not allow them.

Tune in to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio (NOAA), the National Weather Service, or local radio and television stations for updates.

Resources

Visit these resources to find helpful facts and tips designed to increase flood awareness and make preparation easy.

Flood Map/FEMA

Flood maps can help you understand which areas have the highest risk of flooding.

Utah Area Temporal Preparedness Guide

Review the guidelines and activities in the Utah Area Temporal Preparedness Guide to be more prepared. The guide includes assistance with creating your Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Plan.

What You Should Know Living in Utah

In this guide you can find information to help you better understand disasters and to be prepared for them before they strike. For example, did you know that:

• Six inches of moving water is enough to knock you off your feet.
• One foot of water will float your vehicle and two feet can wash it away.
• The number of landslides in Utah is increasing every year.
• As a homeowner, you are more likely to experience a flood than a fire over the span of a 30-year mortgage.

Emergency Preparation and Response for Individuals and Families

Being prepared as individuals and families brings peace of mind today while assuring your well-being during an emergency, temporal challenge, or natural disaster. Follow the guidance below and keep it in a visible place in your home.

Plan for the future

Develop a plan to respond to emergencies, temporal challenges, and natural disasters. Practice your plan to be better prepared in an emergency.

Act

In an emergency, activate your family emergency and communication plan. Be prepared to evacuate if needed.

Connect with and help others

Communicate with family, friends, and neighbors. Report household safety, property damage, and any needs to ministering brothers and sisters and ward leaders.

Collect emergency supplies

Gather the food, clothing, first aid, and water you will need immediately and over the next few days.

Collect finances and documentation

Access the funds, documents, and other resources you will need through the crisis.

Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Plan

Prior to a disaster

Pack an emergency kit for each member of the family with the basics, such as hygiene items, clothing, a light source, snacks, important family documents, emergency funds, survival and emergency supplies, activities, and a comfort item to help children feel safe.

Immediately after a disaster

Help locate and reunite family members who have become separated from the rest of the family. Attend to any immediate needs. Determine the condition of each family member and report to ministering brothers or sisters or other Church leadership.

Soon after a disaster

Provide assistance to family members who are suffering, have damaged shelter or belongings, or who are experiencing emotional trauma or loss of livelihood.

Create Your Own Plan

For assistance with creating your Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Plan, please refer to the Utah Area Temporal Preparedness Guide.