Safety Guidelines for Surviving a Flood

Summary: The fast-moving water during a flood can lead to serious injury or death if not approached with caution.

 

Floods could seemingly come out of nowhere with little to no warning, which is why being ready at any moment is so important. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to increase your chances of not only surviving the event, but also staying as comfortable as possible during it.

 

Stay Away from the Water

 

Depending on where you are when the flood develops and the direction in which the water is heading, you may need to take different evacuation routes. Flood waters can move very quickly, so coming into contact with the water, be it by walking, swimming, or driving, is not recommended. Flood waters can easily knock you over or sweep a vehicle off the street, making the water a dangerous and unpredictable place to be in. Although the water levels might be low, the speed of the water and the debris within it should be taken seriously.

 

Come up with a designated safe spot before any flood warnings surface, to minimize the amount of confusion between you and your loved ones. If you have a drinking water tank from Turtle-Pac or an emergency kit somewhere in the house, come up with a plan for who should take what with them.

 

Handle Electricity with Caution

 

During a flood you need to take extra precautions with the electrical equipment you use. With water getting into houses, buildings, and all over streets, the dangers of electric shock heighten. Heading out to the water with your diesel fuel bladder may seem like a smart way to maneuver the high waters, but exposed wires or power lines in the water can electrocute you. Likewise, you should try not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet, because the moisture could have damaged the internals.