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Flood Safety Tips
Overview
According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by following the safety tips below:
According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by following the safety tips below:
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: If you come to a flooded road, turn around! Never drive through flooded roadways or around road barriers. You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water, and may be swept downstream. If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- Do Not Walk Through Moving Floodwaters: Currents can be deceptive. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there before you go through any areas where the water is not flowing.
- Stay Away From Power Lines and Electrical Wires: Electrical currents can travel through water. Turn off the power to your home at the fuse panel. If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances. Call 9-1-1 to report downed power lines.
- Be Alert to Gas Leaks: Immediately turn off the gas to your house before a flood. Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. If you smell gas, contact your gas provider and call 9-1-1.
- Stay Clear of Unstable Stream Banks: People, especially children, have died in dry washes from collapsing dirt.
- Keep Children Away from Flood Waters, Ditches, Culverts, and Storm Drains: Flood waters carry fluids from dead animals and human produced sewage.
- Watch for Animals, Especially Snakes: Small animals that were flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.
- Never Make Charcoal Fires Indoors: Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use camping stoves, generators or other gasoline powered machines outdoors.
- Clean Everything That Got Wet: Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medicine can be health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.