During heavy rains, keep an eye out for any signs of flash
flooding. If there is any sign, move to higher ground, do not wait for a Flash Flood Watch
or Warning...that may be too late. If you are ina an area that is prone to flooding, be
prepared to evacuate and seek shelter elswhere. Listem closely to your local radio or
television station for any instructions. When local authorities release a Flood Warning,
fill your bathtub with water to insure an uncontaminated water supply in the event
services are interrupted. Prepare your home with whatever you feel necessary, such as
sandbags. If you do use sandbags, do not stack them against the structure as this could
cause more damage than it would prevent. Stack the sandbags away from the stucture, thus
keeping the water from reaching it. If it is a good possibility that a basement will be
flooded, it is best to allow the flood waters to flow freely through the home. You may
even want to flood the basement area with clean water beforehand to prevent damage to the
foundation caused by the pressure of flood waters on the outside. (Contact local
authorities for more guidance on this subject.)
If you are advised to evacuate and have time, follow these simple
guidelines:
- Secure your home before leaving. Time permitting, bring in all
loose outdoor items or tie them down securely. Move all essential items and furniture to
the top floors of your home. Lock all doors and windows.
- If told to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at
the main swith or valve. Disconnect electrical appliances, but only if you and the area
you are in is still dry.
- Insure your vehicle gas tanks are full and follow evacuation
routes (some side roads may already be blocked).
- Leave early! Be alert for any water damaged or covered roadways.
- Tell someone where you are going.
Travel during heavy rains or flooding can be extremely dangerous,
but sometimes necessary. If you must travel, do not drive into flooded areas. If flood
waters begin to rise around your vehicle, abandon it immediately and quickly move to
higher ground. Your vehicle may be swept away as the flood waters continue to rise. Watch
for any type of flood damage, such as mud slides, broken water mains and fallen electrical
wires. Try to take a route that steers clear of streams, drainage ditches and other areas
known to flood. Never swim or dive into flood waters -- the current is strong and deadly.
