What To Do In A Flood Emergency

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and WNY has seen its fair share of flooding over the years. It is important to follow proper safety measures before, during and after a flood because failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flooded waters or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Here is what you need to know when it comes to floods. For more information and resources, please visit Ready.gov.

 Floods may result from rain, snow, storm surges, and overflow of dams and other water systems. They can develop slowly or quickly, remember flash floods come without warning. And, floods can cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides. If you are under a flood warning find shelter right away! DO NOT try to swim, dive or walk through flooded waters. Just six inches of water can knock you down. Remember, Turn Around. Don’t Drown.

 If your area experiences a flood, here are some proper safety tips to help you and your family survive the disaster.

• Depending on where you are, and the impact and warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you have previously determined.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Remember to NEVER drive around barriers, they are there to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Stay off bridges over fast moving water.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Only go to the roof if necessary. Once you are there, signal for help.

Be sure to listen to authorities to determine when it is safe to return home. Do not touch electrical equipment if wet, in order to avoid electrocution. Remember to avoid wading in floodwaters as there can be snakes and other animals, and dangerous debris floating around. Also, underground or downed power lines can electorally charge the water.