Take Protectice Measires In Flood

Before a Flood To prepare for a flood, yon should: - Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce you home. -Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding. - Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the clrains of your home. - Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls to stop floodwater entering rhe building. - Scal walls in baseinents with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage. During a Flood IF a flood is likely in your area, you should: -Listen to the radio or television for information. - Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood,move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. - Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyouns, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warning as rain clouds or heavy rain. if you must prepare to evacuate, you should to do the following: - Secure your home. If you time, bring in outdoor furniture.move essential items to an upper floor. - Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliamces.Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips: - do not walk through moving water: six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walkin water, walk where the water is not moving , Use a stick to check the ftimness of the ground in front of you. - Do not drive into flooded areas, of flood waters rise around you car and the vehicle can be quickly sept away. Driving Flood Facts The following are important points toremember when driving in flood conditions: - six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. - A foot water will float many vehicles. - Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehickes including sport utility vahickes (SUV's) and pick-ups. After a Flood The following are guidelines for the period following a flood: - Listen for news reposts to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. - Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil. Gasoline ,or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or doivned power lines. - Avoid moving water. - Be aware of areah where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have Weatkened and could collapse under the weight of a car. - Stay away from downed power lines. and report them to the power company. - Return home only when authorities indicatt it is safe. - Stay out o S any building if il is surrounded by floodwaters. - Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may he hidden damlage. particularly in foundations. - Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching system as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems sue serious health hazarcls. -Clean and disinfect evetything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater call contain sewage and chemicals.