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.
Peter Geiger is the Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. Read his full biography.
-
Peter Geigerhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/peter-geiger
-
Peter Geigerhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/peter-geiger
-
Peter Geigerhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/peter-geiger
-
Peter Geigerhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/peter-geiger
