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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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