Our hearts and thoughts go out everyone in the affected flooded areas and hope the recovery process is safe and speedy. Please make safety a number one priority.  Please see below for some flood tips.

During a Flood

-If you see moving water, do not walk through.  As little as 6 inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet. If you have to walk where there is water, walk where the water is not moving and use a stick to check the firmness of the ground and depth of water in front of you.

-When driving, do not drive into flooded areas.  If the waters rise around your vehicle, get out and abandon the vehicle and get to higher ground if you can do so safely.

-Do not touch electrical equipment if you standing in water or if you are wet.

After a Flood

-Monitor the news media for reports on the safety of your community’s drinking water supply.

-Avoid moving water, avoid floodwaters, and remember that the water can be contaminated by raw sewage, petroleum products (such as oil/gas) and bacteria.  Also downed/underground power lines can electrically charge the water.  Report all downed power lines to the power company.

-If you evacuated your home, only return to your home when the authorities has given the all clear.  Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

-Keep in mind when you do return home, that you may find damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems, get these systems serviced as soon as possible.  Also check your gas lines as well.

-Make sure you clean/disinfect anything that has come into contact with the floodwaters.  Remember even the mud left from the floodwaters can contain bacteria from sewage and chemicals. Be sure to wear protective clothing during clean up.

-Remember you were not the only one displaced by flood waters, keep on the lookout for wildlife such as snakes, alligators, etc. as they sought higher ground as well.