DURING A FLOOD

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Be alert.

• Monitor your surroundings.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations.

Don’t drive unless you have to.
If you must drive, travel with care.

• Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel.
• Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sight-see.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue or other emergency operations and put you at further risk.
• Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and downed trees or power lines.
• Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• If the vehicle stalls, abandon it.
• If water rises around your car, leave the vehicle immediately. Climb to higher ground as quickly as possible.

NEVER drive through flooded roadways. STOP! 

• The roadbed may be washed out.
• You can lose control of your vehicle in only a few inches of water.
• Your car may float. Vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water.
• Do not drive around a barricade. Turn around and go another way!

Get to high ground – Climb to safety!

• Get out of low areas that may be subject to flooding.
• Avoid already-flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flowing water.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

Evacuate immediately, if you think you are at risk or are advised to do so!

• Act quickly. Save yourself, not your belongings.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by rising water.
• Families should use only one vehicle to avoid getting separated and reduce traffic jams.
• Shut off water, gas, and electrical services before leaving.
• Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.
• If directed to a specific location, go there.

Never try to walk or swim through flowing water.

• If flowing water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
• If it is moving swiftly, water 6 inches deep can knock you off your feet.
• Be aware that people have been swept away wading through flood waters.
• NEVER allow children to play around high water, storm drains, creeks, or rivers.

Shut off the electricity at the circuit breakers.
If someone falls in or is trapped in flood water:

• Do not go after the victim!
• Use a floatation device. If possible throw the victim something to help them float, such as a spare tire, large ball, or foam ice chest.
• Call 911. Call for assistance and give the correct location information.