Flood Safety
Flood Safety
Basic Guide To Flood Lingo:
1. FLOOD FORECAST- Heavy rains may cause rivers to
overflow. Prepare for flooding.
2. FLOOD WARNING-Flooding is certain to occur. You will
probably be advised to evacuate your home.
3. FLASH FLOOD WATCH- Heavy rains likely to cause fast flooding
4.FLASH FLOOD WARNING-Flash flooding is certain to come your way. Evacuate immediately.
Preparing for a flood:
When you recieve news of a flood coming your way
there are several steps you should take to ensure the safety of yourself and your
family. The most important thing you should do is: DO NOT PANIC! Panic will
take away from your concentration and could cost you your life. Don't focus on the fact
that the flooding is near and could destroy your house. Focus on saving your house and,
most importantly, the people that live in it. If there is a Flood Forecast for your area,
you should put gasoline in your car and plan an escape route. Try to avoid underpasses and
valleys. You'll need to go to high ground. If your area is under a Flood Warning, pack
a Flood Kit and prepare to evacuate. If your area is
advised of a Flash Flood Warning, gather the necessities and evacuate immediately. If your area
is under a Flash Flood Watch, keep listening to your radio or TV to make sure the watch isn't
upgraded to a warning. Before you leave you should move all valuables to higher ground and turn
off your electric, water, and gas utilities. An active powercord that gets in water will
electrocute anyone who touches that water.
Flood Etiquette
The number one rule for flood safety is:
If you are in a building, move to the highest floor or the roof. If you are driving, don't go on
a flooded road. You could stall or skid. Never step into water near downed power lines or any
electrical source.
After The Flood
After the flooding has gone down and the water is receded, the
first thing you will want to do is go home. However, this may not be possible right away. Do not
re-enter your house until the "all clear" has been given. Honor all police barricades. You never
know what could have happened or what could be on the other side. Besides, they are there
for your safety. Do not turn on your utilities (gas, water, electricity) or appliances until a
professional has checked them. They could explode or short out. Remember: Better Safe Than Sorry!
Don't drink any water until it has been boiled. Faucet water might not even be safe. Do Not eat
anything that got wet from the flood water, not even medications. The flood water is probably mixed
with sewer water, possibly chemicals, and a lot of other stuff that would not be good to eat.
Any water that is in contact with a live or frayed wire will carry the same voltage as the wire.
Touching the water will have the same effect as touching the wire, and, contrary to popular belief,
rubber boots won't protect you!
So beware when a flood comes your way. Not all water is as nice as
a swimming pool!
After The Storm
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