Dear Parents,

The Rochester School Department together with the City of Rochester Emergency Planning officials are reaching out to families to educate you about preparing for a flood before any disaster happens.

There is no immediate risk of flooding in our community. The City is prepared to respond to a flood and keep residents safe. If you have experienced a flood in the past, please prepare now and protect your home and family. Please take time to review the following information:

Stay informed

Up to date information will be posted on:

Radio- WOKQ FM, WTSN AM 1270, and WMEX 106.5

Television- WMUR Channel 9 and Channel 26

Website- www.rochesternh.net

To protect your home from flood damage:

Relocate or elevate water heaters, furnaces, and major appliances.

Elevate or relocate electrical systems.

Install a septic backflow valve.

Build interior and exterior floodwalls.

Anchor your fuel tank.

Shovel snow away from your home to create an area for water to flow away from your house.

Remove all debris from outside your property that may cause a hazard.

If you have to evacuate:

You will be notified about the evacuation by the City of Rochester Reverse 911 system.

A uniformed police or fire official may notify you in person.

All police and fire persons will have identification.

DO NOT DRIVE OR WALK THROUGH FLOODED AREAS

A temporary shelter will be set up to use at no cost to you.

Pets will be allowed at the shelter in a separate location in the shelter.

Secure your home.

If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.

Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have been evacuated in the past, please prepare a basic emergency supply kit to take with you if you must leave your house:

Clothing for 3 days

Pillow and blankets

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

Prescription medical and glasses

Cash or traveler’s checks

Important documents like insurance (property and medical), birth certificates, and bank accounts all stored in ziplock bags.

An emergency phone number contact list of friends and family

Don’t forget supplies for your pets.

For more information, visit the following websites:

www.rochesternh.net

www.fema.gov

www.ready.gov

www.redcross.org

Thank you for doing your small part to keep everyone safe this spring.

Sincerely,

City Manager	John Scruton
Fire Chief	Norman Sanborn Jr.
Police Chief	David Dubois
Superintendent	Mike Hopkins