If the last five days taught us anything, it’s that flooding is not something to mess around with or “wait and see” about. Stalled vehicles, damaged homes and businesses and water rescues were all a part of what Kentucky residents experienced during the wet weather pattern since last Friday.
So it goes without saying that flood safety is something we should all be practicing. Just in case the worst should ever happen again.
First, let’s begin with vehicle safety, as most weather-related deaths (over 50%) happen in vehicles. You’ve heard us harp time-and-time again, “Turn around, don’t drown!” We’re not just saying this to be cute. There is considerable risk associated with driving through water. Vehicle tires can only take so much.
When water is flowing, it only takes 12 inches of water to carry away a small car. Trucks, SUVs, vans, and other large vehicles can only withstand moving water up to 18-24 inches. Thinking about walking through rushing water? Forget about it. Six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet. The best thing to do when finding moving water over a roadway is to turn around, and find a new way.
What about standing water? That’s got to be safe enough to drive through, right? Wrong.
Standing water poses a stalling threat. Meaning you could get stuck and will have to abandon your car or be rescued. If the water is deep enough, it could enter the engine compartment and begin shutting down the engine. Water can also hide hazards like washed out roads, and debris which can pop tires and leave you stranded. You may not be able to abandon your car in these situations and may need a water rescue.
What about home, and business flooding? There are steps you can take to defend against a flood before, during, and even after that can help save property or life.
Before:
Stay Informed: Check your local weather station for updates on the weather situation and forecast. Also, visit the NWS website for forecasts and safety tips.
Have a Plan: The best way to know what to do and where to go in the event of a flood is to have a plan prior to. Flooding can occur within a matter of minutes so knowing beforehand where to go and what to do could save your life. Consult with family and loved ones and make a plan.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: This is a no-brainer. You should already have a first aid kit in your home or vehicle in case someone should get hurt. Add items that you would need to sustain yourself for days in case rescue efforts are taking time.
Get Notifications: Flood watches, warnings, and advisories are essential pieces of information for the public to know what’s happening in their area. By having the right tools, you could know beforehand if a flood is likely to occur. The best tool to have for notifications and other information is the FREE StormTracker Weather App.
Prepare Your Home: If water is likely to rise, obviously the basement and ground floors will be the areas you want to avoid. Move items you want salvaged up to a second story or your attic. This will help keep it out of the rising waters, but not always. Sandbag your home around entry points to prevent water from entering your home as much as possible.
Prepare Your Family: This one goes back to having a plan. Know where you and your family need to go and what to do in the case of an emergency.
Charge All Electronics. Not always, but sometimes power can be cut off when flooding occurs. This happens in storms that bring a lot of wind and can pull down trees and power lines. By keeping your phone and other electronics fully charged, you’ll have the greatest opportunity to get help or information when you need it if the power goes out.
Leave: Our homes are precious to us. There’s nothing like it and it makes your feel safe. However, if forecasters are predicting enough rain to cause your home to flood, it’s time to get out. Our possessions are not worth losing lives over, and that exactly what a home is…a possession. Make all necessary arrangements and prepare your home, but the best thing to do to save yourself from a flood is to leave before it even happens.
During:
Stay Informed: Check your local news and weather station for updates on the weather situation and forecast. Also, visit the NWS website for forecasts and safety tips.
Get to Higher Ground: Water can rise fast. Flash flooding can bring water in only a matter of minutes. If you are home when flash flooding occurs, you need to get as high as possible. A higher story, or rooftop will be your best options. If getting to your roof means you need a ladder outside, you need to have this option created before the rain starts.
Follow Evacuation Orders: If flooding starts to become a problem, your local law enforcement may begin evacuations. You may think that staying with your home and possessions is a better idea and decide to ride it out. That’s not a good idea! If Hurricane Katrina taught us anything, staying behind can cause you and your loved ones your lives. When the police say to leave…leave.
Practice Electrical Safety: When you’re in a flood scenario, many things run through your mind. One of the things you need to pay attention to is electrical safety. Water and electricity do not mix. Watch for active power lines that may be down and in water. Use caution and never put yourself near electricity and water.
Avoid Flood Waters: In a flood, you may be tempted to jump in and wade or walk through the water to get out. This may be a necessity sometimes, but should be avoided at all costs. For one, you may be swept away by the water. Water can also hide hazards that you can’t see and that could injure you. Flood waters are usually dirty and filled with bacteria. This is not something you want to be walking around in if you have wound injuries.
After:
Stay Informed: Check your local news and weather station for updates on the weather situation and forecast. Also, visit the NWS website for forecasts and safety tips.
Avoid Flood Waters: In a flood, you may be tempted to jump in and wade or walk through the water to get out. This may be a necessity sometimes, but should be avoided at all costs. For one, you may be swept away by the water. Water can also hide hazards that you can’t see and that could injure you. Flood waters are usually dirty and filled with bacteria. This is not something you want to be walking around in if you have wound injuries.
Avoid Disaster Areas: In many flood areas, there will be areas that are two disastrous to be near. We are curious beings by nature and may want to check things out for ourselves, but it is not advisable. If an area is roped or barricaded off, there a very good reason for it. Listen to Emergency Management and avoid the area so your don’t get injured or killed.
Obey Road Closures and Caution Signs: This fall under the same category as above. If a road is closed and signed, it usually means that it is impassable. Even if you think your vehicle is “tall” enough for the water, it’s best just to find another route.
Wait for the “All Clear”: When emergency officials and the police think its safe enough to start letting you back to your home or to roam around, they will let you know. Don’t anticipate them giving the clear. They will have the best understanding of how bad the flood situation is.
Contact Family and Loved Ones: When power is restored or cell towers are back up and running, let your family and loved ones know you are safe. It will put them at ease, and could help law enforcement with search and rescue operations.
