Emergency Preparedness Severe Storms Awareness Week: Flooding

Resources From the Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Flooding is one of the most dangerous and common storm hazards in Maryland.

Quick Facts:

• Turn Around; Don’t Drown
  Most flood deaths come from people attempting to drive over flooded roadways. It doesn’t take a lot of water for your vehicle’s tires to lose their grip on the road, and once you’re floating, rushing flood waters can carry you very far, very unsafely, very fast.
• No Swimming Allowed
  Another large segment of flood deaths are from those folks who get caught up in flood waters, either from slipping and falling, or from attempting to walk or swim across them. Needless to say, don’t try this! Not only will the currents be strong and unpredictable, flood waters are often contaminated with sewage or debris.
• Be Extra Careful, Gentlemen
  67% of flood fatalities in recent years have been male. No matter your gender, take precautions! But perhaps a few more for the men out there.

Safety Tips:

1. Never enter an area of road that is covered by water if that water is too deep to see the pavement. (And maybe not even then. Remember: Turn around; don’t drown!)
2. Especially avoid night driving if at all possible. Limited visibility, unpredictable waters, and not being able to tell how deep water is in the dark do not mix.
3. There is no such thing as a “flood-proof” area. Even small waterways or areas on high ground can, in some circumstances, flood and cause damage…so take extra caution and be on the lookout for flood warnings if it’s storming, no matter where you are.

Learn more about flooding and find all of our resources for being prepared here.

Shared by Lori Peck, BS, MT, Garrett County Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Planner