During periods of heavy rain and potential for flooding you the area, there are several safety concerns to keep in mind.
- Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground.
- Use your weather radio or television stations for local information on conditions.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
- If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.
- Fill your car with fuel.
- Sterilize the bathtub with liquid bleach and water, then fill the bathtub with fresh water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. This water can be used for cooking and for drinking if boiled first.
NOTE: Drinking water should be brought to a FULL ROLLING BOIL for ONE MINUTE and then COOLED BEFORE USE.
Boiling is a form of pasteurization. The term rolling boil facilitates communication and helps assure that an effective pasteurization temperature is reached. Research has established that boiling for one minute is very effective in destroying pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The U.S. EPA and the Centers for Disease Control have both endorsed a one minute boiling time for drinking water.
- Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.
