Staying Safe Indoors and Outdoors during Floods
A graduate aerospace engineer, John Moss Wathen IV has worked as an Air Force Reserve Officer, receiving the Major Lewis Award for cadets who excel academically and have leadership potential. John Wathen IV has volunteered over 800 hours with the American Red Cross, helping people displaced by natural disasters like floods.
Floods are a common natural hazard. If there is a likelihood of flooding in your area, authorities will notify residents through the NOAA radio or local radio and TV stations. Listen out for the latest updates and if authorities give an evacuation order, locate an emergency shelter such as those operated by the Red Cross and go there. Carry an emergency kit with essentials such as medications.
If authorities do not give an evacuation order and it floods, do not walk or drive through the floodwater when outdoors. Six inches of moving water can topple a person, and two feet of water can float a car, including an SUV. If you are caught in a flood of moving water, get out of the road and go to high ground. Stay away from dangerous flood areas like underpasses, canyons, and dips.
If you are indoors, turn the water and power off if the authorities instruct it. Do not use electric or gas appliances that have been flooded. Avoid contact with floodwater as it may be contaminated. Boil tap water if you must drink. Throw away food that is contaminated with floodwater. Listen to your radio for announcements from local authorities.
After the floods, contact friends and family to ensure everyone is safe and help people who need special assistance like elders and children. Do not drink tap water directly until authorities give the green light. If you had been evacuated, only return home once authorities declare it safe to do so. When you do, remove drywall contaminated with floodwater and throw away things that are not washable such as mattresses, carpets, and pillows — clean walls, floors, and surfaces with water, soap, and disinfectant.
