What to do when flooding is imminent (if time allows):

Evacuate your home, if recommended by city officials 

Follow directions given in an evacuation announcement.  If you live in Athens County, and have telephone service, you will be notified by telephone if evacuation is necessary.  If you do not have telephone service, or have only cellular service, you will not receive the evacuation notice, and should determine if evacuation is necessary by one of the methods outlined in Services Provided to Citizens/Flood Warning Systems.

Move important belongings out of the areas which will flood

Store clean drinking water in closed, clean containers 

You can also store water for washing in a bathtub that is elevated above the predicted flood levels.


Sandbag your home if possible

Have your electricity turned off by the electric company

A first step can be to turn off your power main, but only if it is safe to access it. 

Turn off your gas where it enters your house, if accessible

Turn off water service at the main value

Manage basement windows and sump pumps 


Only adjust your windows and sump pumps if you can safely do so.