With the threat of Tropical Storm Ernesto bringing flooding to Northeast Florida in the next two days, the American Red Cross offers these safety tips.
Stay away from flooded areas until local authorities says it is safe to return. Avoid driving through flooded areas so as not to impede emergency vehicles and clean-up efforts.
Do not drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a barricade, turn around. The road could be washed out underneath. Eighty percent of people who die as a result of flooding are in their vehicles.
Do not walk through flowing waters. Drowning is the number one cause of flooded deaths. Most of these drownings occur during a flash flood. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where water is not flowing.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocutions is also a major filler in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
Before entering a flooded home, walk around it first to inspect the outside for potential cracked or falling foundation. Do not enter a home if you suspect structural damage. Have a professional engineer or architect check it out first.
Turn off your electricity when you return home. Turn off at main breaker box or main fuse box, even if power is off in the area. That way, you can control when power is restored to your home to avoid potential electrical shock or fire. Don't use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart cleaned and dried.
Watch for animals and snakes.
Look before you step as the ground and floors may be covered with debris after a flood and there may be nails or broken glass.
Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don't smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you are sure the gas has been turned off.
Do not use portable space heaters to dry out a house. These can cause more damage or possibly a fire.
Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use a generator or other gas-powered machines outdoors, including cooking stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly so only cook with charcoal outdoors.
Clean and disinfect all wet surfaces. Floodwaters may have picked up sewage and chemicals. Spoiled food and flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards.
Take good care of yourself. Recovering from a flood is tough on the body and spirit.