Flooding can be a very dangerous situation, especially if you are not prepared. There may be warnings before a flood, but it is important to pay attention to them so you know what to do if a flood happens. You should also listen for updates after the flood begins, as they may change based on the severity of your situation. If you are prepared and know what to do in case of flooding, then your family will have everything they need when disaster strikes.
turn off utilities at main switches and valves if instructed to do so.
· Turn off utilities at main switches and valves if instructed to do so.
· Shut off the electricity, gas, water and phone services if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel. This will prevent further damage to your home as well as help prevent fires from occurring in your home during a flood event.
disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water.
During a flood, the most important thing to do is disconnect all electrical appliances. Although this may seem obvious, it's important to remember that electricity can travel through water and if you are standing in water while using an appliance (like a hair dryer), you could be shocked. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water.
move furniture to an elevated location.
· Move furniture to prevent water damage.
· Move furniture away from windows and doors, which can break during floods.
· Move furniture away from fireplaces, heating vents and air conditioning units that can be damaged by water.
secure your home.
There are a lot of things that you can do to prepare your home and make sure it's secure during a flood. The first thing to do is make sure all the doors and windows in your house are closed. You should also check that your garage door is closed as well. This will keep water from getting in through any open areas, like windows or doors.
Another thing to consider is whether or not there are any pets in the house with you during a flood. Make sure they're all safe by taking them upstairs (or outside) if necessary, where it'll be easier for you to keep an eye on them and make sure they're okay during this stressful event!
Your car should also be taken care of—you don't want it getting flooded out by surprise! Check around for any signs of flooding above ground level before driving off so you know where not to go (or just assume there might be). If possible, park further away from where water levels appear higher than usual; after seeing what happened last time around maybe try parking somewhere else entirely? Maybe even drive with someone else so they can help navigate these situations better than yourself alone would give anyone else access points into places where vehicles might get stuck too easily otherwise."
bring in outdoor furniture and move valuable items to upper floors or higher ground.
You should also move the furniture to a higher location. Bring in outdoor furniture and move valuable items to upper floors or higher ground. If you have a basement, it is important to make sure your furniture is not near windows that could break during rising flood water.
Flood waters can contain chemicals, sewage and other contaminants which can be harmful if ingested or absorbed by your skin.
avoid walking through moving water.
· Do not walk through moving water: The force of moving water can sweep you off your feet, making it extremely difficult for you to get back up.
· Do not drive through moving water: Not only is it dangerous, but you're also likely to flood your engine and transmission and lose control of your vehicle.
· Don't allow children or pets near flooded areas: They may fall into an unseen hole and drown in seconds, even if they can swim.
· Don't swim in the flood waters: The currents of a fast-moving stream can carry debris that can injure or kill swimmers who are caught unaware. Stay away from any area where floodwaters are flowing over land faster than a person can run (about four feet per second).
· Avoid driving around barricades blocking roads that have been closed due to flooding: Police officers will ticket drivers who ignore barriers set up by officials during emergency situations like floods; however, ignoring them could result in serious injury or death if road conditions worsen while driving under these circumstances because there aren't many other options available besides turning around on those types of surfaces!
six inches of moving water can make you fall.
Six inches of moving water can make you fall. The ground under the water is invisible, so you can't tell how deep it is. If the ground is slippery, or if the water pushes you off balance, you could lose your footing and fall into deeper water before you know what's happening.
if you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.
If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. This will help minimize the risk of being pulled under by strong currents or trapped against debris when crossing a flooded area.
use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. If you put your foot down on soft mud or sand, you will sink in and cause more problems for yourself. The best way to avoid this is by using a long stick as a probe into the ground before walking on it. If the stick goes in easily, then there's no problem; but if it doesn't go in at all or only slightly, then you need to find another path that isn't covered with water or mud.
pay attention to warnings, listen for updates and be ready if something happens
The most important thing to do in a flood is to pay attention to the warnings, listen for updates and be ready if something happens.
One way you can prepare is by keeping an emergency kit with you at all times. The kit should include things like food and water, flashlights, batteries, portable radios that receive weather broadcasts, first aid supplies and medications.
Another thing you can do is make sure your property is safe from flooding by taking steps such as installing sump pumps or raising your electrical equipment off the floor.
Conclusion
If you are in a flood or any other emergency situation, remember that the most important thing to do is listen to your local government. Listen for updates on TV or radio and follow instructions from emergency personnel. If you need help call 911 immediately!