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FloodShareFlood Safety Tips: Preparation: One aspect of preparing for a flood is preparing your home. Take the precaution of raising electrical components like switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring at least twelve inches above your home’s projected flood elevation level. Place washers, dryers, water heaters and furnaces on cement blocks at least twelve inches above the projected flood level, as well. Install a water alarm to alert you if water is accumulating in the basement. If you have a ‘sump pump,’ which removes water that accumulates in the basement, install a battery-operated backup (in case of power failure). During a Flood: If you hear of a flood watch or flood warning, tune into the National Weather Radio (NOAA) station for updates. If there is a possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to do so. If you are in a car, never drive into a flooded area, even if it doesn’t look like the flood is dangerously high. A foot of water can sweep away many vehicles. Even six inches of water can penetrate the bottom of a car and cause accidents via loss of control. Do not attempt to walk through moving water, either. Test the firmness of the ground in front of you with a walking stick. DO NOT touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water! If you are at home, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and use battery-powered flashlights. If you cannot evacuate the premises, go to the top floor. After a Flood: After a flood, DO NOT turn the electricity back on if the electrical system has been flooded or you smell gas. Have a qualified electrician check the system for safety. Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities announce that the water supply is safe. Wear gloves and boots when cleaning.
For more extensive tips, check here:
Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/flood.shtm
Red Cross Preparedness Guide http://www.oc-redcross.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=dbQ1v2aunpc%3d&tabid=82
Flood Control (County of Riverside) http://www.floodcontrol.co.riverside.ca.us/content/floodsafety.htm
O.C. Flood (Orange County Public Works)
National Geographic Flood Safety Tips http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/floods-safety-tips
Flash Flood Safety Rules and Tips |
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