WASHINGTON — With Tropical Storm Debby remnants over the DMV, flood safety is a top priority. Here are some of the things the National Weather Service says to look out for if you have to head out into the rain.
Driving safety
If there is flooding, do not drive into a flooded area. You and your vehicle can be swept away quickly if floodwaters rise around your car, so if faced with that situation, abandon your vehicle.
Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars. This can cause loss of control and stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water can carry most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
Road beds may be washed out under flood waters, so never drive through a flooded roadway because you do not know the condition of the road under the water.
Walking safety
Get to higher ground if there is flooding. Get out of areas such as dips, low spots, drainage ditches, canyons and washes because they are likely to flood.
Avoid areas that are already flooded, especially where water is flowing fast. Don’t attempt to cross flowing streams.
In case of an evacuation, secure your home and disconnect electrical appliances. Don’t touch anything electrical if you are wet or standing in water. If possible and instructed to do so, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves.
Don’t walk through moving water. If you have to walk in water, walk where water is not moving and use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
Be careful when dealing with flood waters. Flood waters may contain snakes and insects, sharp objects and debris, oil, gasoline, industrial waste or raw sewage.
All of this information comes from the National Weather Service’s Turn Around Don’t Drown campaign.