During
flood:
.listen
to local radio or television stations for flood information if it
has been raining hard for several hours.
.turn
off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do
so .disconnect electrical appliances .avoid touching electrical
equipment if you are standing in water.
.move
to higher ground away from rivers, streams and unsafe places.
.stay
calm and reassure those around you.
.avoid
walking and driving through flood water.
.do
not walk through moving water .six inches of moving water can make
you fall .if you have to walk in water ,walk where the water is
not moving.
.do
not drive into flooded areas .If you are in car abandon the car
and move to higher ground.
.if
you are ordered to evacuate, move fast, take only essential items,
follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic
if not stay indoors ,away from windows.
After
flood:
.If
you evacuated, return home when local officials advise that it is
safe to do so
.avoid
floodwaters, it may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or other
chemical substance
It
may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power
lines.
.Wells
should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before
drinking, so listen for news reports to learn whether the
community’s water supply is safe to drink.
.Be
careful walking around. After a flood, floors are often slippery
with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken
glass.
.be
careful when entering buildings, there may be hidden damage.
.Look
out for animals especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in
floods and they may be in your way.
.when
entering the building use flashlight instead of matches or any
other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside.
Sources:
www.fema.gov
www.bt.cdc.gov
www.dnr.state.ne.us
American
Red Cross, © Copyright The American National Red Cross.
All rights reserved.
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