Flood Safety Tips

John Jensenius is a good friend working at the National Weather Service in Gray Maine. The NWS not only helps forecast weather, they have a wealth of information about severe weather and survival tips when caught in a storm. Much of the East Coast suffered through tremendous rains and floods. Here is information that should be helpful if you encounter a flood.

To alert the public to the threat of flooding, the National Weather Service issues flood and flash flood watches and warnings. A flood watch indicates flooding/flash flooding is possible, and is usually issued in anticipation of heavy rainfall. A flood/flash flood warning indicates that flooding is imminent or is already occurring. If you hear that a flood/flash flood warning has been issued for your area, move immediately to higher ground if floodwaters threaten.

Here are some flood/flash flood facts and safety tips.

• Never drive a car into a flooded roadway. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related.

• Keep away from streams during heavy rainfall events. Swiftly moving water is extremely powerful and can easily overpower a person.

• Keep children inside and away from flooded streets, culverts, and streams.

• Report any flooding to the appropriate authorities.

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Obey all roadblocks and barriers, even if the flooding has receded. Floodwaters may have undercut the road surface or left dangerous debris in the roadway.

• If you live in a flood prone area, have a plan in case the water starts rising quickly.

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