The Sunday News
The Meteorological department has said the country is expected to receive rains up to Tuesday, and has warned of further floods, as has been witnessed in various parts of the country.
When it rains heavily, flash flooding can occur. Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas, but they do happen in urban and suburban areas.
Flash floods can occur even though it’s not raining where you are. It may be raining hard further upstream, and raining so hard that the water cannot be absorbed into the ground. To keep yourself safe from flash floods during flood warnings and watches, here are some safety tips:
Know your location when you are driving. If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location?
Be alert. People are advised not to stay in low lying areas or stream banks.
Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Back up and try a different route. In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door. Do not underestimate the power of moving water. According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
— Stay on high ground. If your car is trapped, get out if you can safely do so and move to higher ground. If you’re driving through a hilly area or place that is subject to flooding along a stream and hear a flash flood warning, go to high ground.
Never try to outrun a flash flood.
Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road. Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you’re driving at night, be especially careful because visibility is limited. If you should drive into water, don’t try to drive out of it. Get out of the car and safely return to higher ground.
Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.
If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step. It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground.
Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather. When raining, people are also advised not to seek shelter under trees, avoid being the tallest object anywhere, as this may lead to a strike by lightning.
People should also stay away from open windows and doors. They should also avoid bathing or washing when it is raining.
— Online
