Flash Flooding

Safety Rules

• Avoid or leave areas subject to sudden flooding. These include dips and low spots.

• Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

• If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way.

• Never drive through flooded roadways. The depth of the water is not always obvious.

• If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants; sweeping them away.

• Use caution at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers.

• Children should never play around high water, storm drains or viaducts.

After the Flood

• If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.

• Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority.

• Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital.

Food, clothing, shelter and first-aid are available from the Red Cross.

• Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.

• Use flashlights (not lanterns, torches or matches) to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.

• Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.