Flash Flood Survival Tips
8/20/2020 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO team of Glendora/San Dimas is committed to providing safety tips to its community to ensure safety and readiness when disaster strikes.
After a season of dryness, a rapid overflow of water can cause flash floods. In the United States, flash floods are the single most common natural disaster. Below are a few tips on how to seek shelter & survive during/after a flash flood strikes:
Find Shelter:
- Do not attempt to walk, drive, or swim through floodwater. It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to be knocked over, and only one foot of water to sweep away your vehicle.
- Stay off of bridges hovering fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
- Depending on the severity of the flood:
- Evacuate if flash flood warning tells you to
- Move to higher ground
- In some cases, it may be best to stay where you are
Survive During:
- If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
- If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water stay inside. If water is rising inside the car get on the roof.
- If trapped in a building go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there a signal for help.
- Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
Ensure Safety Afterwards:
- Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Avoid driving
- Animals may have been swept into your house during the flood. Put on heavy protective gear to clean up, such as boots & gloves.
- Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
- Try not to wade in floodwater: it can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Unknown underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
If you experience any type of flooding or residential disaster in your home, trust SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to make it “like it never happened”. Give us a call to learn more about our additional flooding tips anytime at (626) 852 - 9922. Our experts are available 24/7 and are happy to help you in any way they can.
For more information on how to prepare and survive a sudden flash flood, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods
These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas as a part of our commitment to the community and the environment.