Staying Safe During Flooding

Unlike tornado season, flooding can happen any time of year. Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S.; nearly half of those deaths are auto related. Keeping you and your family safe from a flood begins with information. Tune into NEWS 9 for the latest watches and warnings from Chief Meteorologist Gary England and the NEWS 9 weather team. In the event of flash flooding they'll be on the air letting you know what you should do and where you should go to seek higher ground.

Flood Safety

Never drive or walk through flood waters.

If you cannot see the roadway, take a different route.

Move to higher ground immediately if water begins to rise.

Never go past an area that is roped off or blocked by police. It's blocked for a reason.

When a flash flood warning is issued, or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape, so act quickly and move to higher ground.

If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

If you experience flooding and need help, call your local authorities immediately.

Floods can take a few minutes to a few hours to develop, and if you live in a flood prone area, you should take the following steps to protect yourself.

1. Prepare a family disaster plan. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places, such as a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.
2. Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
3. When a flood warning is issued, tune into NEWS 9 for the latest information and advice.

Make A Disaster Kit

When preparing for a flood, or any natural disaster, you should have a disaster supply kit. Your kit should include the following items:

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Canned food and can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so