A senior Democratic official says New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has emerged as a serious contender for secretary of the Department of Commerce in President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet.
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Determine if your home is in a flood-prone area. Consult your community flood insurance rate map. Identify dams in your area and determine if they pose a hazard to your home
Contact FEMA, or your local insurance agent, to discuss flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program
Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your communities flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground
Keep food on hand that can be prepared without cooking and does not require refrigeration
Make sure you have flashlights with extra batteries
Make sure you have enough extra medicine, baby items and a first aid kit
Check your battery powered television or radio
Keep an emergency supply of water stored in unbreakable plastic containers. Fill your bathtub with water as a backup supply. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers
Listen to the television or radio for current weather reports and emergency information.
Secure your home and move essentials to the upper floors if you have time
Move to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood
Stay away from flood waters. Do not attempt to walk through moving water
Never attempt to drive into or through floodwaters. Your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise. Many flood fatalities are vehicle related
Stay away from downed power lines and disaster areas
Water sources may have become contaminated by the flood. Check with local authorities before using any water
Do not use food that has come in contact with flood waters
Flood Terms You Need To Know:
Flood Watch: When a flash flood watch is issued-be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
Flood Warning: When a flash flood warning is issued for your area or the moment you realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself-you may only have seconds!
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Thunderstorm
Cty. Alert Map
