With recent weather-related events bringing widespread damage to much of the East Coast, it’s a good time to review some basic flood security and safety tips. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can often lead to injury or death. With that in mind, here are a few flood security and safety tips to help you keep your head above water.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown…. Flood Security and Safety Tips from Security Specialists:

1. Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
2. Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
3. Only drive in emergency situations.
4. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
5. Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water and await rescue. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
6. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
7. If trapped in a building, get to the highest floor possible. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
8. Learn and practice evacuation routes.
9. Keep a supply of non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days.
10. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
11. Clean drains and gutters before a storm or heavy rains moves in.
12. If you live in an area that frequently floods, consider a sump pump with a battery.
13. Consider purchasing or renewing a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding.
14. Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
15. Keep checking EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
16. Only return to your home only when authorities say it is safe.

 We at Security Specialists Want You and Your Family to Stay Safe from Floods and All Natural Disasters!