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After a flood has swept through your community, keep yourself and your
family safe by following these important safety tips:
Do not walk through flowing water
Drowning is the number one cause of flood
deaths. Most of these drownings occur during flash floods. Six inches of
moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure
that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water
is not flowing.
Do not drive through a flooded area
More people drown in their cars than anywhere
else. Don't drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed
out.
Stay away from power lines and electrical
wires
Electrocution is also a major killer in
floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power
lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
Turn off your electricity when you return
home
Some appliances, such as television sets, can
shock you even after they have been unplugged. Don't use appliances or
motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and
dried.
Watch for animals, especially snakes
Small animals that have been flooded out of
their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn
items over and scare away small animals.
Look before you step
After a flood, the ground and floors are
covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs
that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
Be alert for gas leaks
Use a flashlight to inspect for damages. Don't
smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you are sure that the
gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
Carbon monoxide exhaust kills
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered
machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are
especially deadly--cook with charcoal only outdoors.
Clean everything that got wet
Floodwaters pick up
sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories and storage buildings.
Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards. When in
doubt, throw them out.
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