Floods can contaminate food and water, which can cause illness. Floods can lead to other dangers as well, like carbon monoxide poisoning, mold growth, electrical and fire hazards, and more.
Remember:
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown. This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car. If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.
- Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.
- If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.
- Keep pets and children away from flood waters.
- Make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.
- Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.
- If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
Please see our Flooded Homes page for more detailed information on safe drinking water, flooded septic systems, mold prevention and cleanup, and more. Contact our Environmental Health Division at 734-222-3800 for questions or concerns.