The KVEC building surrounded by floodwater during the flood of 1993.

KVEC · 1993 flood · Ed Vinson

SAFETY QUIZZES

Flood safety.

Recognize flood warnings, avoid dangerous water and make safer decisions before returning to a flooded property.

20 QUESTIONS · NO TIMER

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1. What does a flood watch mean?

Conditions are favorable for flooding; stay alert and prepare
Flooding is impossible until tomorrow
Every road is already impassable
The danger has ended

Correct answer: Conditions are favorable for flooding; stay alert and prepare

A watch calls for readiness and close attention to updated information.

2. What does a flood warning mean?

Flood conditions are only a distant possibility
Flooding is occurring or imminent
It is safe to use low-water crossings
The warning applies only to boaters

Correct answer: Flooding is occurring or imminent

Act on the warning and follow local protective instructions.

3. A flash flood warning includes your low-lying location. What should you do?

Wait to see water at your door
Check the stream by walking into it
Move to higher ground immediately by a safe route
Drive to the lowest road for a clearer view

Correct answer: Move to higher ground immediately by a safe route

Flash flooding calls for immediate action. Do not enter floodwater to escape.

4. Floodwater covers the road ahead. What should a driver do?

Follow a larger vehicle through
Drive faster to maintain momentum
Judge safety from the visible road edge
Turn around and use a safe alternative

Correct answer: Turn around and use a safe alternative

Water can hide deep sections, debris or a washed-out road. Do not drive into it.

5. A barricade closes a flooded road, but no workers are present. What should you do?

Respect the closure and find another route
Move the barricade aside
Drive around it slowly
Cross if other drivers have done so

Correct answer: Respect the closure and find another route

Never drive around flood barricades. Conditions may be dangerous beyond what you can see.

6. Why should a strong swimmer avoid walking through floodwater?

Swimming ability removes all flood risk
Current, hidden hazards and contamination can endanger anyone
Clear water cannot carry debris
Water below a knee is always safe

Correct answer: Current, hidden hazards and contamination can endanger anyone

Do not use swimming ability or apparent depth as permission to enter floodwater.

7. Floodwater is rising near your campsite. What is the immediate priority?

Save every item of equipment first
Wait for the current to slow
Reach higher ground without crossing floodwater
Move closer to the river to inspect it

Correct answer: Reach higher ground without crossing floodwater

Leave low-lying areas promptly when flooding threatens.

8. Water covers electrical outlets in a room. What should you do?

Enter if wearing work gloves
Unplug submerged cords by hand
Use a metal tool to lift appliances
Stay out and seek qualified assistance

Correct answer: Stay out and seek qualified assistance

Floodwater may carry electrical current. Do not enter a room with submerged outlets or cords.

9. Which hazards can be present in floodwater?

Sewage, chemicals, sharp objects and electrical hazards
Only mud and harmless rainwater
Only hazards that float on the surface
Only risks you can identify by smell

Correct answer: Sewage, chemicals, sharp objects and electrical hazards

Floodwater can conceal several hazards at once. Avoid contact.

10. Where should children play after neighborhood flooding?

In shallow flooded streets
In a safe area away from floodwater
Beside moving drainage water
On debris piles at the water's edge

Correct answer: In a safe area away from floodwater

Keep children out of contaminated water and away from unstable debris.

11. Your skin contacts floodwater. What should you do afterward?

Wait until the water dries on your skin
Use the same floodwater to rinse
Wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible
Cover the mud with lotion

Correct answer: Wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible

Clean exposed skin and give cuts appropriate care. Seek medical advice for wounds or illness.

12. Roads remain affected after the river falls. Which information should guide travel?

A map showing normal road routes
A friend's trip from the previous week
The fact that rain has stopped
Current local road and emergency updates

Correct answer: Current local road and emergency updates

Receding water does not establish that roads are safe. Follow current closures and instructions.

13. Why should you avoid visiting a flooded disaster area to look around?

Extra traffic and people can obstruct emergency operations
Only residents are allowed to take photographs
Flood danger ends as soon as reporters arrive
Sightseeing helps clear emergency routes

Correct answer: Extra traffic and people can obstruct emergency operations

Keep access open for rescue, utility and recovery work.

14. Before restoring electricity to a flooded home, what is needed?

A quick visual check from the doorway
An electrician's assessment of the electrical system
Dry hands only
A neighbor's assurance that their power works

Correct answer: An electrician's assessment of the electrical system

Do not restore power until the affected system has been checked for safety.

15. What is the preferred light source when first assessing a flood-damaged home?

A candle
A gas lantern
A battery-powered flashlight
A lighter held near each doorway

Correct answer: A battery-powered flashlight

Avoid flames because gas leaks may be present. Leave immediately if you suspect a leak.

16. A private well was flooded. What should you do before drinking its water?

Drink it if it looks clear
Rely on its usual taste
Run the tap briefly and assume it is safe
Use a safe alternative until the well is assessed and water is tested

Correct answer: Use a safe alternative until the well is assessed and water is tested

Flooding can contaminate well water. Follow local health guidance for disinfection and testing.

17. Food touched floodwater. What is the safest approach?

Follow official disposal guidance; do not assume it is safe to eat
Taste it to check for contamination
Serve it if the smell is normal
Wipe every package and treat all contents as safe

Correct answer: Follow official disposal guidance; do not assume it is safe to eat

Floodwater can contaminate food and packaging. Some containers cannot be safely cleaned.

18. A household member needs assistance evacuating. When should transport be arranged?

Only after roads are underwater
Before flooding threatens, as part of the plan
After all neighbors have left
Only when the person can no longer move

Correct answer: Before flooding threatens, as part of the plan

Plan for mobility, medical and transport needs in advance with appropriate local contacts.

19. What should a household with pets confirm before an evacuation?

That every emergency shelter accepts every animal
That pets can remain alone indefinitely
A safe destination and transport arrangements that accommodate the animals
That someone else will collect them automatically

Correct answer: A safe destination and transport arrangements that accommodate the animals

Include pets in your plan and check local shelter arrangements beforehand.

20. How should important records be prepared for possible flooding?

Leave the only copies on a basement shelf
Store all records beside the water heater
Rely on papers drying out afterward
Keep protected copies in waterproof storage that can be taken with you

Correct answer: Keep protected copies in waterproof storage that can be taken with you

Protect essential documents before water threatens the property.

Educational practice. This quiz is not a certification or a substitute for hands-on training. For emergency assistance, call 911.

Guidance behind this quiz

Answers reviewed November 2026 against the following public guidance.