SAFETY TIPS FOR A FLOOD…
Before
-Avoid buildings that are at a low plane
-Seal your walls in your basement with compounds that are water proof.
-Be sure to listen to your radio or watch your television for any flood warnings if you suspect one or if it is typical in your area.
-Know the difference between a “flood watch” and a “flood warning.”
>flood watch: (watch for possible floods)
>flood warning: (a flood is coming!)
When a Flood Is Spontaneous
-Pack a safety bag as soon as possible including everything you need and don’t forget your medications
-Leave your home as soon as possible
-If it’s a “flash flood” be sure to move to a higher ground as soon as possible and as fast as possible.
-If you have enough time be sure to unplug as much as you can and be sure to shut off the main power source
During A Flood
-Do not walk in the water if at all possible
-If you must walk in the water, be sure to use a stick to check the grounds “for firmness” in front of you as you walk.
-Do not drive into any flooded areas. If the water comes around your car and gets too high, leave your car and get out of there to move to higher grounds.
-Do not touch any electrical equipment whatsoever!
After A Flood
-Make sure to listen to the news to make sure the tap water is able to be consumed.
-Avoid any giant puddles or left over floodwaters. They may be contaminated with oil, gasoline or raw sewage. They may even be electrically charged due to power lines.
-Stay away from roads where the water has gone down, the roads and/or bridges may collapse under the weight of a car from the pressure and weakened after enduring the flood.
-Stay away from any power lines that are down and be sure to report them.
-Only go back home when the news and/or radio advises you and tells you that it is now safe.
-Stay out of any buildings surrounded by floodwaters.
–Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Floods may have contained chemicals and raw sewage.
-Be sure to check your septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible, they can be hazardous to your health.
-Call a professional water restoration company!