NORTH FORK – With the current storm and the winter season upon us the Red Cross has offered some preparedness tips for flood safety and general emergency situations.
Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
- If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
- Head for higher ground and stay there.
- Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channels for the latest updates.
- If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary.
- Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe.
Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
- If power lines are down, don’t step in puddles or standing water.
Just as the Red Cross prepares for disasters, it’s also important for people to prepare by taking three simple actions: 1) Get a kit. 2) Make a plan. 3) Be informed.
- Your emergency kit should contain food, water and other basic supplies to last at least three days for each family member. Also, don’t forget to include essential medications, copies of important documents and special items for children and pets.
- Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work, and your community’s emergency plans.
- Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.
