Flood Safety Awareness Week
This is Flood Safety Awareness Week,
and the Red Cross wants people to know how to be prepared if flooding
threatens their neighborhood. Floods can occur anywhere, at any time,
throughout the United States and cause more damage in this country every
year than any other weather-related disaster.
Flooding
can be a local disaster affecting a single neighborhood, or very large,
impacting entire river basins across many states. Some floods develop
slowly, but flash floods can develop in just a few minutes without any
rain. Residents should know if their neighborhood is at risk for
flooding and be alert to the possibility of a flood. Listen to local
radio or TV stations for possible warnings or other critical information
from the National Weather Service (NWS).
The
Red Cross has more safety steps people should follow if flooding
threatens their home. If a flood or flash flood watch is issued, they
should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. If a flood or flash
flood warning is issued for their area, they should head for higher
ground and stay there.
If a flood WATCH is issued, it
means a flood is possible in the area and residents should move
furniture and valuables to higher floors of the home and make sure to
fill their vehicle’s gas tank in case they have to evacuate.
A flood WARNING
means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in the area. If a
flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and television stations
for information. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in the area. Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate quickly.
A flash flood WARNING
means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. If a flash
flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately. There may only be seconds
to escape. Act quickly and move to higher ground away from rivers,
streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades. If the
car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb
to higher ground.
For more information, visit Flood Safety Awareness at redcross.org or Flood Safety at NOAA
For more information, visit Flood Safety Awareness at redcross.org or Flood Safety at NOAA
SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston
FASTER TO ANY DISASTER.
843-747-8750
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