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 More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Warn your children about the dangers associated with playing in flood control facilities such as drainage channels, storm drains, open drainage ditches, natural streams, gutters and inlets to drainage facilities. 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. 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.