Prepare to Be Safe When It Floods!

Prepare to be safe when it floods!

There are safety precautions you can take to protect your family and property, when flash flood or other flood notices are issued.

• Do not walk or drive through standing or flowing water.  Downed power lines, sinkholes, or  canals may exist, but are not visible.
• Avoid power lines that have fallen. They might still have power, and can cause electrocution.
• Turn off the power in your house. This includes propane, other gas tanks and lines.
• Watch your step in damaged and flooded areas. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injuries after storms and other disasters.
• Use caution when approaching animals after a disaster. Even domesticated animals may react to stress by biting or attacking after a disaster.
• Do not smoke or use candles or open flames in your home until you can be sure no gas leaks exist. If you suspect a gas leak, ventilate the home and other enclosed areas to dissipate the gas.
• If you need to evacuate, plan ahead by having an evacuation kit ready, and include medications, blankets, water, and other essentials you and your family will need. Contact relatives and let them know where you are going. Do not forget to install shutters and take care of your pets before you go!

Listen For Flood Warning Notices!

The National Weather Service and NOAA continually monitor local weather conditions.  If major flooding is anticipated within the Town, NOAA will broadcast notices like Flood Warning, Urban Flood Advisory or Flash Flood Warning Notices through television and radio stations, such as TV Channels 4,7 and 10, and radio stations such as WIOD (610 AM) and Big 105.9 (FM).  The notices will override your cable service with a rolling script across the bottom of your television.  These notices are intended to help residents prepare for the possibility of heavy flooding in their neighborhoods.  The Town recommends that residents tune in to these broadcasts and prepare for flooding when it may occur.

Warning times may be as long as five days for hurricanes, or one to two hours notice for flash floods and urban advisories.  The key is to keep aware of these notices when watching or listening to these and other stations.