Safety
Keep Safe During Summer Flash Flooding
Flash flooding, or the rapid rise of water, is one of the most dangerous types of severe weather, killing more Americans than any other natural disaster. There is little warning, and flash floods move at speeds high enough to move trees and large rocks.
As little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep a person off his or her feet. Cars become buoyant in about two feet of water.
Follow these tips to help prevent damage to your personal belongings and possibly save lives.
To protect your home:
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Secure all patio furniture and outdoor landscaping that could be washed
away.
-
Move valuables to higher floors and spaces in your home.
- In severe flooding, consider building a dam around your house with sandbags.
To protect yourself:
-
Stay away from creeks, streams and low areas. Riverbeds and creek beds
can collapse, causing objects and people to fall into rushing
waters.
-
In urban areas, stay away from underpasses.
- Don’t attempt to cross flooded areas in a vehicle. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately as rising flood waters can make doors difficult, if not impossible, to open.
