Water, Water, Everywhere – Part 2

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Jun 07

Water, Water, Everywhere – Part 2

 

Post by:  Chris Hall
 
In last week’s post we covered the steps to take before a flood.  In this week’s post we will talk about what to do during a flood to stay safe and secure to ride out the storm.

During a flood
 
Turn Around, Don’t Drown !

  • As little as 6 inches of moving water can float a full-size vehicle.
  • There will be holes and hazards below water level that you can’t see.
  • You could get hit by an object as it’s swept away.
  • Don’t drive or walk in a flooded area.

 
Don’t walk on seawalls, riverbanks or across river bridges

  • They can collapse due to currents
  • You could be hit by debris or waves

 
Avoid any form of direct contact with flood water

  • It may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals

 
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires

  • They could collapse into the water and kill you

 
Pay attention to flood warnings and updates

  • Check weather reports regularly.
  • Monitor TV, Radio, NOAA Weather Radio, and Social Media

 
Put your flood plan into practice

  • Move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety WELL in advance of any neighborhood threat.
  • Warn and check on the safety of neighbors, particularly if they are elderly or infirm.
  • Charge mobile phones.
  • Keep your household emergency kit with you
  • Be prepared to turn off your gas and electricity and unplug electrical items. Move them upstairs if you have one.
  • Fill the bath, sinks and clean soda/pop bottles with clean tap water and keep bottled water handy.
  • Do as much as you can during daylight; power outages are likely and hazards are more difficult to see at night.
  • EVACUATE if and when requested by authorities

 
Next week we’ll talk about the important steps to take after a flood hits.  How to stay safe during cleanup, restoration and recovery.
 
Chris Hall
Founding Contributor of 2BeeReady.org
 
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