GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As rain falls and flood waters rise, health officials are offering tips for staying safe and reminding residents to have a plan for dealing with storms.
Don’t try to drive through roads covered with water, says the Kent County Health Department. The road could be washed out or swept away by a strong current
Avoid floodwaters, officials add. The water may contain debris, gasoline or raw sewage.
A plan for dealing with storms is as important as a fire escape plan, said Adam London, the acting health officer for Kent County.
“Think of creating a plan based on your typical day,” he said. “If Mom and Dad work across town from each other, kids are in school, and roads home are closed due to debris, what would you do to reunite after a storm? It’s helpful to review how to react to different situations.”
He suggests considering several meeting places in different directions where the family could meet. Also, families should determine one person whom everyone would contact by phone, text or email during an emergency.
If the person is out of town, he or she might have better lines of communication if phones in town don’t work.
Other tips from the health department include:
• If floodwaters get in your home, clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• If you see a downed power line, do not approach it, call 911.
• Damaged sewer systems can create serious health hazards. Service any damage to septic systems as soon as possible.
• Prepare enough food and water at home to last at least three days. Consider storing one gallon of water per person per day, as well as three days of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, protein bars and canned fruit.
• Learn more about emergency preparedness at the Get Ready Kent County website.