Flash Flood Warning!

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe during a flash flood

Rain, rain go away, come again another day! Over the past few weeks, mother nature has decided to let loose of the rain in our area. To make sure you stay safe, here some suggestions to follow so you can stay safe in flash flooding situations.

If you are under a flood warning:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
• Depending on the type of flooding:
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Stay where you are

Survive During a Flood:

• Go to the safe location you previously identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water stay inside. If water is rising inside the car get on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help.

Surviving After a Flood:

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.