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.
