What precautions should be taken before floods?

Many people die as a result of flooding, which can be very dangerous, so if you actually know that the location you are in will be flooded, the basic precaution to take would be to leave, and go somewhere that is not going to be flooded. However, if you are talking about taking precautions against a possible flood at some unknown future time, then you do not necessarily want to leave. Keep a supply of drinkable water on hand, since flooding tends to disrupt the normal sources of drinkable water (there will, of course, be a great abundance of water if there is a flood, but it won't be safe to drink). Bear in mind that you can survive much longer with water and no food, than you can with food and no water. Also, if you save an emergency food supply, keep it in a well sealed container, so that it does not get ruined by the flood. I would recommend granola bars, and other food that does not require much preparation. You do not know if your kitchen appliances will be usable in the event of a flood. Flashlights are also good to have, in case there is a power failure caused by the flooding and you need to see what you are doing at night. If you have some kind of medical problem for which you take medication, then you should have some extra medication in reserve. You may not always be able to get to a pharmacy when you need one. Other first aid supplies, such as a disinfectant, bandages, etc., are good to have. You, or some other person, might be injured in the flood. Those are the most immediate precautions. If you live with a family, all the members of a family should have some plan about how to find each other again, if they are separated by a flood or any other disaster. Cell phone towers may or may not survive a flood, but if they do, cell phones are great in an emergency.