Flood Safety & Protection

Dangers of Flooding

The following common sense guidelines can help protect you from the dangers of flooding:

Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to a City official or your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns, or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.
Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.
Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers.
Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.
Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet.
Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their home may seek shelter in yours.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If your house is about to be flooded, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the 2nd leading cause of death during floods.

If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction measures you can employ.

Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls to protect against low-level flooding.
Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.
Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors or sandbagging exterior openings will also help.
Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also be a feasible option.

If you would like more information on flood protection measures contact Nicole Hewitt at 262-786-8610.

If you are forced to leave your home due to a natural of man made disaster here are recommended steps to take before doing so.

Make sure gas stoves are turned off before you leave.
If you leave your house, remember to take any medications or special diet supplements with you.
Take a flash light and cell phone if you have one.
If you are evacuating with infants or small children remember formula, diapers, snacks or special toys that you may need at a shelter.
If you leave your home, be sure and let relatives know where you are going.
Turn off your electricity when you return home since some appliances can shock you even after they have been unplugged. Don't use appliances or motors that have gooten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.