Flood Safety
Flood safety is also an issue after the disaster. Learn about the flood safety measures that should betaken upon returning to your home.
Learn What You Have To About Flood Safety
Floods are some of the most dangerous of all natural disasters, and many people tend to think that the danger is gone once the rain stops or the water stops flowing in. Flood safety is too often ignored once people start going back to their homes after an evacuation, but this is the time when many lives continue to be lost. Do your part to prevent needless deaths and injuries by learning all you can about flood safety for you and your family.
The importance of evacuating floods and keeping your family (and home) safe has been brought to the forefront since Hurricane Katrina. Many people who survived the onslaught of the hurricane, perished in the floods. Many people did not leaves their homes due to a number of reasons. Financial and physical limitations were top of the list of reasons why so many did not evacuate before Katrina hit.
Important flood safety advice from the experts
Many of these weather safety tips that pertain to floods might sound like common sense, but even the most intelligent among us are prone to blunders after such a life-altering incident. Although we are eager to get back home, it is important to tread lightly.
- If there is still standing water use a stick or rod to help guide you. The land can be unstable at best, use the stick to make sure that there is actually hard ground to walk upon and that there is no dangerous debris blocking the path.
- As soon as you return home your first move should be to turn off the electricity. We all know how well water conducts electricity and even things that had been unplugged have the potential to shock someone.
- Avoid the temptation to drive around the neighborhood or surrounding area. This is a very dangerous move as you do not yet know the condition of many of the roads. Do not underestimate this flooding tip as many people have drowned in their cars after a flood.
- Remember that many of the animals in your area have also been displaced and they are seeking shelter. They might have already found it in your home - check carefully for this home safety risk.
- One thing we most often hear about when discussing flood safety is the risk of electrocution. Steer clear of all downed power lines and report them right away to the electric company.
These are only a few of the things that everyone should be thinking about when they are returning to their home after a flood. Make sure that your family knows all of the safety measures that they should be taking in the event of a flood. A flood is actually also the biggest problem that often stems from a hurricane, which is why hurricane safety ties right in with flood safety.
As all 50 U.S states are affected by flooding, you should make sure that you have flood insurance. Many are surprised to learn that they are not covered for flood insurance under their home insurance. Flooding can be devastating, make sure that you are covered.
Related Resources:
- Flood safety & cleanup: Minnesota DNR
- American Red Cross - Flood and Flash Flood
- American Red Cross - Flood and Flash Flood
- Flood Safety Fact Sheet
- USATODAY.com - Floods are one of weather's biggest killers
All material copyright © 2006 Wise to Safety. All rights reserved.
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