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If you are affected by a flood, here are things you can so to stay safe.
Safety.
During a flood:
Do not drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.
- Do not walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Stay away from downed power fines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
- Look out for animals – especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours.
After a Flood:
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- If your home, apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Upon entering the building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.
- Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. Throw out foods and medicines that may have come into contact with flood water.
- Until local authorities proclaim your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes before using.
- Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods. Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property from future flood damage.
- If you must run a generator at your home following a flood, remember to keep the generator outside (not in a garage) to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.