March 12-18, 2017: Flood Safety Preparedness Week

Get prepared during Georgia’s Flood Safety Preparedness Week which runs
March 12th through March 18th

Flooding is a nationwide threat and are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturate the ground. However, flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. Remember, flooding can occur at any time of the year. Prepare yourself, your family, and your home.

Basic Safety Tips:
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ®
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the US.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

 

Understand the Difference between a Flood Watch and Floor Warning:

Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.

Steps to Take:
• Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Prepare Your Home
o Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
o Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
o If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Flood Warning = “Take Action!” Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

Steps to Take:
• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.
• Evacuate if directed.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

 

When it is not flooding: Make a Flood Plan:
• Know your flood risk.
• Make a flood emergency plan.
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
• Consider buying flood insurance.
• Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground, the highest level of a building, or to evacuate.
• Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.

Information provided by www.ready.gov