99TravelSafe.com
88 – Heavy Rains and Flash Floods Safety!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
CHECK the weather forecast and alerts for heavy rains and flash flood
-- A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means a flood is possible in your area!
-- A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding is taking place in your area or will take place soon!
Avoid WALKING, SWIMMING, or DRIVING in flood waters
Stay away from high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. If it is moving swiftly, water even six inches deep can KNOCK you OFF your feet!
If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go ANOTHER way. CLIMB to higher ground!
Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding like low spots and canyons!
Avoid already flooded areas. If a flowing stream of water is ABOVE your ankles stop, turn around and go the OTHER way!
If your car stalls, LEAVE it and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the car, pick it up and sweep it away!
Kids should NEVER play around high water, storm drains or viaducts!
If told to EVACUATE, do so IMMEDIATELY!
Flash floods and floods are the #1 cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms!
Most flash flood fatalities occur at NIGHT and most victims are people who become TRAPPED in automobiles!
-- Six inches of fast moving water can knock you off your feet!
-- A depth of two feet will cause most vehicles to FLOAT!
If flooding occurs, get to HIGHER ground. Get OUT of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
Avoid areas ALREADY flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast! Do not attempt to CROSS flowing streams! Turn Around! Don't Drown!
Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways! Turn Around Don't Drown
If your vehicle is SUDDENLY caught in rising water, LEAVE it immediately and seek higher ground.
Do NOT camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions!
Be especially cautious at NIGHT when it is HARDER to recognize flood dangers!
Most FLASH floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms that move repeatedly over the same area or HEAVY RAINS from tropical storms and hurricanes. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover.
Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, DESTROY buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more!
Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides.
Occasionally, floating debris or ice can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water held back by the ice jam or debris dam can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash flooding can occur downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release!
AFTER the flood and heavy rains BOIL drinking water BEFORE drinking.
Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before use!
Floodwater can be contaminated with SEWAGE, CHEMICALS, or other hazardous materials. It can also contain debris like rocks and trees that can be swept up by the fast-moving water. AVOID floodwater!
After an evacuation, ONLY return to your home when local officials say it is SAFE to do so!
Prepare a disaster supply kit: Keep a supply of food, candles, and drinking water in case if you are trapped inside your home.
Poor visibility and slippery roads make driving VERY dangerous. If you must drive, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and drive SLOWLY! Avoid driving through flooded areas.
Wear waterproof footwear and rain gear to keep yourself and comfortable!
Avoid PARKING outdoors, under trees, or in low-lying areas!
Turn OFF gas, water, and electricity supplies