Should you be caught in flooded area during a natural disaster, here are some basic safety tips:

• Do Not Walk Through Flowing Water

• Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most 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

• Most 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.

This information comes from the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Web site. For more about flood safety and additional tips, click here.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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