Driving and Home Safety Tips for Floods

Driving and Home Safety Tips for Floods

Here are some tips by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for staying safe during floods.

Updated: 4:51PM MDT June 23, 2022

Steady rainfall has kick-started the monsoon season in New Mexico, with the risk of flooding high from mid-June to late September. If you receive an emergency warning alert or are warned about a flood, the safety and security of the home is of great priority. If you don’t already get these updates, here’s how to set up emergency alerts on your iPhone or Android to stay up-to-date. Here are some tips given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Check out KOAT safety tips at home or updated weather content online or in the app to get updates on conditions. Gather essential and emergency supplies, and bring desired items from the lower level along with non-perishable foods and water. Bring in outdoor items such as grills or lawn furniture, you can also tie them securely. If you need to evacuate, turn off all utilities and turn off the gas if necessary. If you need to evacuate or simply drive around flooded areas, be here as safe as possible. There are a few things for you. Driving Tips Don’t try to drive on flooded roads, turn around. Most cars only need 12 inches of high-speed water to carry them. Do not drive around obstructions blocking flooded roads, the road may have collapsed due to water. Don’t underestimate the force and power of moving bodies of water, it is not safe to drive or walk in flood waters. Tips After a Flood Heed the boiling water advice, and keep up with local officials to see if the water is safe for use. If a boil water is recommended, focus on using only bottled or treated water. If your home was evacuated, wait for an update from your local authorities about when it is safe to return. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by using a generator at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents. Do not leave a moving car inside an attached garage. If floodwaters were present in your home, be sure to clean up and remove the damaged material. There is a high chance of spreading infectious diseases from objects contaminated with flood water.

Steady rainfall has kick-started the monsoon season in New Mexico, with the risk of flooding high from mid-June to late September.

If you receive an emergency warning alert or are warned about a flood, safety and security at home is a major priority. If you don’t already get these updates, here’s how to set up emergency alerts on your iPhone or Android to stay up-to-date.

Here are some tips given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

home security measures

• Watch KOAT to get updates on conditions or view updated weather content online or in the app.
• Gather essential and emergency supplies, and bring desired items from the lower level, along with non-perishable foods and water.
• Bring in outdoor items such as grills or lawn furniture, you can also tie them securely.
• If you need to evacuate, turn off all utilities and turn off the gas if necessary.

If you need to evacuate or just have to drive around flooded areas, here are some things you can know to be as safe as possible.

driving tips

• Do not try to drive through flooded roads, do not turn. It only takes 12 inches of high-speed water to clean most cars.
• Do not drive around obstructions blocking flooded roads, the road may have collapsed due to water.
• Don’t underestimate the force and power of moving bodies of water, it is not safe to drive or walk in flood waters.

tips after the flood

• Heed the advice on boiling water, and check with local authorities to see if the water is safe for use.
• If a boil water is recommended, be sure to use only bottled or treated water.
• If your home was evacuated, wait for an update from your local authorities about when it is safe to return.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by using a generator at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents. Do not leave a moving car inside an attached garage.
• If floodwaters were present in your home, be sure to clean up and remove the damaged material. There is a high chance of spreading infectious diseases from objects contaminated with flood water.

Source