Weather Safety - Floods
When a flood watch is issued
- Be alert to signs of flooding and be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.
When a flood warning is issued
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
- Continue monitoring NOAA Weather Radio, television, or emergency broadcast station for information.
Safety tips
- Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, etc.
- Avoid already flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Nearly half of all flood/flash flood fatalities are auto-related.
- If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rising water may engulf your vehicle and its occupants. Remember, it's better to be wet than dead!
- Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flooding dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams during threatening conditions.
- Children should NEVER play around high water or storm drains.
After the flood
- If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.
- Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority.
- Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter, and first aid are available from the Red Cross.
- Do not visit flood areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
- Use flashlights (not lanterns, torches, or matches) to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
- Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
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