Added Safety During Flood Watches
Flooding in the metro Atlanta area is one of the most devastating natural disasters possible. There are areas in Georgia that are very prone to flooding, but no one is exempt from flooding. Anyone, anywhere can experience flooding. If there’s rain, there’s the potential for floods. There are some very important precautions to take in order to maintain safety for yourself and your family. Safety begins before the flood alert even starts.
We most often see flooding when there has been heavy rain for hours or days on end. The ground becomes saturated and can no longer hold any more water. The water then begins to rise above ground. There are different terms when describing flooding. One is called a flash flood, or flash flooding. If there is a flood or flash flood warning near you, one of those events is already happening near you, or will be very soon. Once you hear that warning, you have to take action immediately. If you live somewhere that is very prone to floods, you need to be ready to evacuate. It’s better to be prepared prior to the flooding so you can quickly get to safety. Being prepared means having supplies on hand that you will need. Some of these supplies should be:
- Bottled water
- Canned food
- First Aid Kit
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, social security card, etc.)
- Flashlight (and extra batteries)
- Any medications
The supplies you specifically need can vary depending on your situation. For example, if you have pets or small children, you would need to have the necessary items for them packed as well.
One of the most important safety tips seems obvious: get to higher ground. Frequently, flood victims want to stay at their home to try to “ride it out,” but this can be incredibly dangerous as flooding is often unpredictable. Get to higher ground before it’s too late! If you’re driving, do not drive through standing water, turn around and find an alternative route. It only takes about 2 feet of moving water to sweep a vehicle away. Or if walking, anything above your ankles means you need to turn around as well.
Preparedness is key when it comes to surviving a flood. If your home or business is affected by a flood, removing the water as quickly as possible will help to minimize the damages.
