Do not walk through moving water or drive through flooded areas.
Six inches of moving water can make you fall. When driving, it can take only a foot or two of water to float or sweep away your vehicle.
The Weather Service has some easy-to-remember graphics and messages about flood safety that they encourage to be shared via social media and other platforms, like this one below on flash flooding.
- If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
- Listen to NOAA weather radio, a battery-operated radio, or television for the latest emergency information. Use phones only for emergency calls. Stay away from damaged areas. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other low-lying areas that can flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
- Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- If you’ve come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
- If it is safe to evacuate, leave your home.
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.