Flood Safety
Floods kill more Americans each year than any other natural disaster. Only 6 inches of fast moving water could sweep a person off their feet and cars can become buoyant in about 2 feet of water In addition to heavy rainfall, floods are caused by melting snow and rising rivers, lakes and streams. Listed below are some helpful tips and information about floods to keep you and your family safe.
Click for printable fact sheet, " How to Be Prepared for a Flood."
Staying Ahead of the Flood:
- Know your flood risk elevation and routes.
Visit the floods section of FEMA's website to determine your risk at www.fema.gov.
- Pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain.
- Avoid flood prone areas.
- Never let children play close to creeks or storm drains.
In the Event of a Flash Flood:
- Get to higher ground.
- Never drive into flooded areas.
- If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it and get to higher ground.
After a Flood:
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Mold Tips
Click for more from FEMA on what to do before, during, and after a flood.
Find more information on flooding and other disasters at www.fema.gov.
Updated 3/14/2011
