The Do's and Dont's of Surviving a Flood

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen at anytime and anywhere as a result of rain, snow coastal storms, storm surges and the overflow of dams and water systems. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down and 1 foot of moving water is enough to sweep your vehicle away. Remember the following:

• Depending on where you are and the impact and warning time of the flooding, go to a previously identified safe location.
• If you are told to evacuate, leave immediately. Never drive around barricades that local responders have used to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around.
• Stay off bridges over fast moving water. Bridges can be wash away without warning.
• If your vehicle is trapped in fast moving water, stay inside unless the water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek safety on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Do not go into a closed attic where you may be trapped by rising floodwater. Go to the roof if necessary and signal for help.
• Always remember to listen to authorities for information and instructions during a flood situation and return home only when they say it is safe to do so.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735 for all your water restoration needs.