Injuries may occur when people walk amid disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
Be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in or around your home.
Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards and before going back to a property with downed power lines, or the possibility of a gas leak.
Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines.
Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you.
It’s important for all residents and visitors in flood-prone and low-lying areas to continue to monitor local radio or television stations for updated emergency information and follow the instructions of state and local officials.
Don’t put yourself at risk; follow the instructions of local officials – and if told to evacuate, do so immediately.
If you encounter flood waters, remember – TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.
Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous. Almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles.
Do not walk through flood waters. A few inches of water can sweep you off your feet.
When in your car, look out for flooding in low lying areas, at bridges, and at highway dips.
As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
If roads are closed or there is water over a road, do not drive through the water.
Be prepared to take detours and adjust your route due to road closures if there is standing water.
Ensure you have a flashlight, NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries on hand. Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
If your power is out, safely use a generator or candles.
Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open.
Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner’s manual and follow the instructions.
If using candles, please use caution. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire.
Outside your home or business: Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay out of any building that is surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Avoid floodwaters; water might be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water also might be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Avoid moving water and do not attempt to drive through standing water, even if it seems shallow.
Avoid non-essential debris removal until the storm has passed.
