9 Important Flood Safety Tips

This summer has been one of the wettest and rainiest summers Pennsylvania has ever seen. A lot of towns have struggled with flooding, as we’ve gotten downpours after downpours, and many areas never got a chance to dry up between storms. Now, with the arrival of Hurricane Florence, there is a good chance we’re going to see heavy rains and flooding once again.

Hurricanes are able to wreak havoc from hundreds of miles away. Even though we aren’t near the eye of the storm, we know we need to share these important flood safety tips once again. Some of these tips are about driving and some aren’t, so keep reading to find out how to stay safe wherever you are if/when the storms hit!

1. Always have an emergency preparedness kit in easy access. This should include a flashlight, cash, a first aid kit, and bottled water, at least.
2. In the event of a Flood Watch or Warning, turn on your TV or radio and keep your cell phone close to receive weather updates and/or emergency instructions.
3. Try your best not to come in contact with running flood water, as only 6 inches of moving water can knock over an adult.
4. Try your best not to come in contact with stagnant flood water either; it can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria that can make you ill. In addition, flood water can carry electrical current from any appliances, wires, or outlets it comes in contact with, which can electrocute you.
5. Try your best to avoid driving when a flood watch or warning is in effect.
6. If you must drive in flooding conditions, remember that slow and steady wins the race. It’s easier to hydroplane than most people think; all it takes is 1/12” of water when traveling at 35 mph to lose control of your vehicle.
7. When water floods the road, it’s nearly always impossible to determine the depth of the water or condition of the ground below the water. When in doubt, it is infinitely better to turn around than go through the water and get your car stuck or swept away.
8. Extreme floods can uproot trees, erode soil, move boulders, and carry away cars; humans are no match for flooding water at all. It is imperative to stay as far away from rivers and moving water as possible.
9. Know in advance where you can retreat to safety: find the closest high ground to your location and know if your town or city has a designated evacuation point if flooding becomes an emergency.

If you wish to track the course of Hurricane Florence, click here.

We hope everybody stayed safe during the intense storms over the course of this summer, and we wish everybody near and far the best of luck when dealing with Hurricane Florence. Thanks for reading, and hopefully you’re a bit more prepared for the next time we get harsh rain and flooding!

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