Red Cross Offers Flood Safety Tips

With a widespread rain event possible in the North Texas area, the American Red Cross is urging families to take precautions now, and offers important safety tips in the event of flash flooding.

• Charge laptops, cell phones, tablets and other electronics in order to get information before, during and after disasters.
• Pack a disaster supplies kit with working flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, first aid supplies, etc. Click here for a list of items to pack in a supplies kit.
• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flash flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS)
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly 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.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• Bookmark www.redcross.org to learn about shelter locations and other important information.

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