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Flooding Safety
Flash Floods
- Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters.
- Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. If it is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
- If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground.
- Do not let children play near storm drains.
Remember
- Flash Floods develop quickly
- They can occur anywhere, along rivers or creeks, in low water crossings or in a dry stream bed
- They can occur during any month and at any time during the day. In fact, flash floods often occur at night when it is difficult to find an escape route.
- Flash floods can be deceptive. Flood waters are likely deeper and moving faster than you think.
When Driving
- Avoid low water crossings
- Use alternate routes to avoid flood prone areas
- Leave your vehicle immediately if it stalls in flood waters
- Move to higher ground if you can do so safely
- Most cars and light trucks will begin to float in as little as 12to 2 feet of water
- Act quickly
- Rising waters make vehicle doors difficult if not impossible to open.
Floods
- Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage
- Keep your automobile fueled. Gas stations may not be able to operate gas pumps for several days after the flood event
- Store drinking water in clean bathtubs or in other containers. Water service may be interrupted for days
- Maintain a reserve of food that requires little if any cooking and no refrigeration
- Keep first aid supplies on hand
- Maintain a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or other radio
- Have emergency cooking equipment and flashlights
- Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing into drains in your home
River Flood
During a river flood, follow these safety tips:
- If you come upon a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way
- Do not attempt to drive over flooded roadways
- Never allow children to play near high water, storm drains or viaducts
- Follow all evacuation orders
After the Flood
After the flood has ended, many dangers still remain. Remember these safety rules after river floods end:
- Throw out fresh food that comes in contact with flood waters
- Boil all water before drinking it
- Test well water for purity before drinking
- Do not visit disaster areas, you may hinder emergency operations
- Dry and check electrical equipment before using it
- Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside
- Report downed utility lines to appropriate authorities