Floods

I talked to my sister who lives in Utah yesterday and she said there are flood watches all over the place there, and with all the flooding happening in the South i thought i would post this while i had the chance. i will be going to Utah next week for my marathon so it will be a couple weeks before i post again. good luck and happy preparing to you!

Floods

And when that day shall come they shall be visited… with thunder… and with storm, and with tempest… -2 Nephi 27:2

Floods happen in every part of the world. Because there is little to no warning, flash floods due to dam breakage or heavy rains usually cause the most damage and are the number one weather related killer in the U.S.

A "Flood Watch" means that there is a possibility of flooding in your area. A "Flash Flood Watch" means that there is a possibility of a flash flood occurring in your area.

A "Flood Warning" or "Advisory" means that flooding is already occurring or will occur very soon in your area. A "Flash Flood Warning" or "Advisory" means that there are already flash floods occurring or that will occur very soon in your area

 To prepare for a flood:

Ø  find out if you live in a frequent flood zone and then identify the nearest safe zones to your home

Ø  make a map of routes to get to higher ground from your home in a car and on foot

Ø  practice flood evacuation drills with your family

Ø  keep at least half a tank of gas in your car

Ø  if you have forewarning of a flood and can get out, prepare a 14-day essentials kit  by adding more food and an extra change of clothes to your existing 72hour kit to throw in your car

Ø  listen to the radio or other warning systems during storms and if a flood is imminent and you have time, move furniture to upper floors and unplug everything

Ø  take steps to preserve your food storage and water

Ø  have flood insurance where applicable

 During a flood you should:

4  listen to the radio and evacuate if instructed to do so

4  barricade your home with sandbags if available and if there is time

4  do not attempt to walk through water that is fast moving or that is deeper than six inches

4  do not attempt to drive through water that is fast moving or that is deeper than the center of your tire

4  if your car stalls leave it and continue to safety on foot

4  take extra precautions at night and stay put if possible as darkness compounds danger in floods

After a flood:

8  do not drink floodwater or eat food that has been contaminated by floodwater

8  wear clothing and shoes to protect your skin from being cut by flood debris and if you are cut wash the cut with antiseptic soap before bandaging it

8  use a flashlight (not candles or gas lamps) to examine damaged buildings as there may be gas leaks

8  be sure everything is dry before plugging back in appliances

8  report dangerous situations to authorities

8  listen to the news reports for updates

8  disinfect anything touched by floodwater as it may contain sewage and chemicals