Flash Flood Safety

Do you know what to do if you see water crossing over a roadway?

Flash floods and floods are the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. In the picture at right, the man and his child were swept away in their truck by water flowing over a roadway, before being rescued at the last minute.

Flash Flood Safety Rules

When Inside:

If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leave immediately and get to higher ground!

If Caught Outdoors:

Go to higher ground immediately! Avoid small rivers or streams, low spots, canyons, dry riverbeds, etc.
Do not try to walk through flowing water more than ankle deep!
Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas!

If in a Vehicle:

Do Not Drive Through Flooded Areas! Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The vast majority of deaths from flash flooding are due to people driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep can displace 1500 lbs! Two feet of water can EASILY carry most automobiles!
What You Can Do To Prepare
Consider Flood Insurance (activation can take 30+ days)
Have a battery back-up for sump pumps
Move basement items to a higher level
Sign up with our mass emergency notification system (found on www.kewauneeco.org, look for the “Stay Informed” Icon).
Create an Emergency Contact List (make sure your family members at home have the same list).
Have an evacuation plan (where will you go?) for you and your pets!
Know where your home gas shut-off valve is located at and how to turn it off.

Flash Flood Facts:

It takes only 6 inches of fast-flowing water to sweep you off your feet. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
Warm season flash floods are the result of intense rainfalls over a short period of time, due to slow moving thunderstorms.