Floods are the number one weather related cause of death in the United States. Flash floods can role boulders, tear out trees and destroy buildings. Just six inches of fast moving water can knock a person down; one foot of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle; and two feet of water can float a large vehicle – even a bus! Nearly 40% of flood related deaths occur in motor vehicles. You should never attempt to drive in a flooded roadway. Even if the vehicle in front of you successfully crossed a water-covered road, it is best to find an alternate route or wait. If you get stuck, you are not only risking your own life, but the lives of rescue personnel.

During a flood:

Avoid areas prone to sudden flooding If you attempt to walk through a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop turn around and go another way. Even the most harmless looking water can sweep a person off of their feet and wash them away to injury or death. If you are driving and come to a flooded roadway, Stop! The road ahead  could be washed out. The depth of the water could also be deceiving. If you cannot see the road, don’t even attempt to drive on it. Less than too feet of water can sweep your car away, or at least strand or trap you. Keep children away from flooding areas, flowing streams, storm drains, viaducts, and arroyos. Keep your television or radio tuned to weather information Be sure to have a battery operated radio to get the information that could save your life. Listen for distant thunder runoff, a thunderstorm could be headed your way. The heavy rain from a thunderstorm could cause a flash flood. Be especially cautious if the soil is already saturated with water, flooding can occur much more easily.