Flood Safety
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| Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there before you step further. Flood waters can also carry microorganisms capable of causing disease via skin contact. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not attempt to drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out. Avoid power lines and electrical wires. The Number 2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to the Power Company or the City’s Emergency Operations Center at (239) 573-3022. Disconnect electricity and gas lines prior to flooding. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals. Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs covered with mud can be very slippery. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. Place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house. Only operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain. After Hurricane Charley, Cape Coral Fire personnel conducted home inspections. More than 100 homes had potentially dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide in their houses, and ten people required hospital treatment. If you own a generator, consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detector. |
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