List of Guidelines

Follow this list of guidelines when responding to a flood emergency.

• Immediately assess your areas of high risk.
  • Preplanning is critical.
  • Prepare equipment and plan for evacuations.
• Recognize the risks and dangers associated with water emergencies.
  • Take actions to ensure the safety of yourself and your team.
  • Prepare for a self-emergency. If you are swept away:
    • Float on your back with your feet downstream and at the surface.
    • Backstroke and angle yourself toward shore.
• Do not wear turn-out gear when responding to a water-related emergency.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • This must include wearing a life jacket (PFD) and a water rescue helmet.
  • Other important PPE includes a drysuit for protection from water contaminants.
  • Thermal protection worn beneath the dry suit also may be needed.
• Wear footwear that is appropriate for water rescue.
  • You should wear wading shoes or boots, not fire boots!
  • Good hand protection is neoprene gloves.
• Be prepared to decontaminate personnel after they come out of the water.
  • They may be exposed to a wide variety of chemicals and pollutants.
  • Rescue team members should maintain vaccinations for preventable diseases such as hepatitis and tetanus.
  • Post-response medical exams are a good idea.