Flooding can cause severe property damage. It can also create safety hazards. It is important to have a flood safety plan in place so that your family is protected if a flood occurs.
10 Safety Tips for Floods
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flooding is the leading cause of storm-related deaths. These tips can help keep you safe:
Stockpile Emergency Supplies - If there is a flood watch or warning in your area, make sure you have a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water. You need at least one gallon of water per person and a pet per day.
Locate and Protect Immunization Records - Locate your family's immunization records and store them in a waterproof container. It is particularly helpful to know when the date of your last tetanus shot was. Include immunization records for your pets. You may need them if you need to take your pets to an emergency shelter or board them somewhere away from the flooding.
Listen to Authorities - Listen for updates on your local radio or television station. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so promptly and follow all instructions given. Turn off utilities at the main power switch and gas valve before you leave.
Seek Higher Ground - If you are in a low-lying area when flood warnings are issued, seek higher ground. If your home has more than one level, move to the highest floor.
Do Not Drive Through Floodwater - Six inches of standing water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. It can be difficult to judge how deep floodwater is and there may be hazards you can not see. Your vehicle could be damaged, disabled, or washed away if you do practice flood safety when driving.
Do Not Drink Floodwater - Floodwater may contain harmful contaminants. Do not drink floodwater, use it to wash dishes, bathe, prepare food or brush your teeth. Use the water you stored or water from another clean source instead. If there is a boil order in your area, boil all water before using it or use bottled or treated water.
Do Not Return To Your Home Until It Is Safe - Do not attempt to return to your home until local authorities have said it is safe. You may begin the restoration process while you are waiting to return by contacting your insurance company and a flood remediation company in Connersville, Indiana.
Do Not Consume Food or Drink That May Be Contaminated - Any food or drinks that have come in contact with floodwater should be thrown away. If you can't be sure an item is safe, throw it out.
Use Generators and Other Equipment Safely - Generators and other equipment, such as power washers, can produce carbon monoxide gas that can lead to poisoning without proper ventilation. Keep generators and small engines at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.
Do not run your vehicle inside an attached garage - Even if the door is open, fumes from the exhaust settle all over the stuff stored in your garage. You may also need to use the car in an emergency and you will need the gas to get around.
Flood safety should be your primary concern in the immediate aftermath of a flood. A proper safety plan can prevent unnecessary injuries or illness.
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