Being prepared can help you and your family get through a flood in Texas without loss of life or injury. Many floods are considered “flash floods.” These floods happen fast, and the ground has no time to absorb the water. Here is what you need to know ahead of time to stay safe during flood season in Dallas and across the state of Texas:
Flood Advisories, Watches, Warnings
You may turn on the news or get an alert on your phone indicating the presence of a flood advisory, watch or warning, but sometimes these terms can be confusing.
- Advisories. These may be early announcements from the weather service indicating that the forecast is likely to produce threatening conditions, but conditions are not bad enough for a warning. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and further alerts to prepare after an advisory.
- Watches. Flood watches indicate that the conditions to produce a flood are all present. It indicates likelihood – not necessarily that flooding has started. Start to pull together necessary items for leaving the area if you are concerned about flooding, be mindful of the conditions in your immediate environment, and continue to watch the weather reports if you see this alert.
- Warnings. Warnings mean flooding has been spotted and you should take precautionary steps towards safety. Move to high ground immediately, especially if you live in a low, flood prone area, and wait until the threat has passed.
Downloading a weather app to alert you to threats and watching the news during major weather events can also alert you to the best places in the area to move to and remind you what to take with you.
Before a Flood
As soon as you receive a flood alert, start taking preparation steps. In the event that your home is flooded, these steps can prevent further injury after flooding begins.
- Create an emergency kit. Grab a spare duffle or watertight bag and non-perishable energy bars, bottled water, a flashlight, batteries, first aid, extra medication, a blanket, copies of important documents, a multi-purpose tool, baby supplies, pet supplies, maps, and waterproof phone cases.
- Develop a plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows the meetup plan for major weather events. Run through a drill at least once a year to ensure everyone is ready to take action if the need arises.
- Secure the premises. Consider reinforcing your home’s foundation with waterproofing materials and elevating the furnace and other electrical hazards in areas prone to flooding.
During a Flood
As soon as you see a flood watch in Texas, get ready to evacuate high-risk flooding areas. Check your emergency kit and place it by the door. Turn off utilities and unplug all electrical devices to decrease the chance of a current electrifying flood water.
When you leave, only drive if the roads are still clear. Immediately abandon a car when flood waters start to rise. Avoid walking through moving water. In flood conditions, it can take as little as six inches of flowing water to make a person fall. Stay in your safety location until the threat has passed and the authorities have indicated that it is safe to leave.
After a Flood
Stay away from any remaining flood areas where possible. Flooding may compromise water systems in a community, so avoid drinking tap water until the news or community government has reported that it is safe. Seek medical assistance for any injuries sustained during the flood. Post-flood clean up can take days or even months, depending on the flood’s severity. Always approach flooded areas with caution, as they may be electrified or filled with toxins and sewage.
Document all home damage, injuries, and treatments as thoroughly as possible for use with a flood insurance policy or in any subsequent legal proceedings.
Flood Aftermath: Avoid These Safety Hazards
The aftermath of a flood can cause safety hazards long after the storm has passed. Standing water can harbor bacteria and electricity, and vehicles can still be swept away in a swiftly flowing current. Keep these crucial after-flood safety hazard tips in mind if you encounter flooding:
Addressing Home Hazards
Turn off all electrical and gas lines. Only use flashlights and battery-operated light sources until you confirm your electrical system has not been damaged. Return to your home during daylight hours to make existing hazards visible. If you did not switch off the breakers and gas lines before the flooding began, do so immediately after returning home. You may need to contact your gas company, fire department, or the police if you notice an unusual smell or you cannot safely turn off your power because of standing water.
Mold and damage. Hazards in the home can continue to affect it long after the home has been cleaned. Take photos before, during, and after the cleaning process for your records. Mold remediation and restoration specialists, as well as your flood insurance agent, may rely on this information to adequately address any future health hazards.
Open the windows. If the rain has stopped, open all the windows in the home to start the airing out process and prevent the buildup of any gasses within the home. Do not remain in the home if you smell gas. Contact the proper authority and leave immediately.
Avoid walking in standing water. Standing water may harbor broken glass, metal, or other injury causing debris.
Generators. Many homeowners rely on generators during power outages, but they can become fire hazards if not used properly. Follow the instructions for your generator exactly and contact your utility company to learn more about running a generator when electricity is restored to the home.
Cleaning. You will need to systematically clean your entire home if it was affected by flood waters. Use a bleach based disinfectant (diluted bleach in water will work fine) to clean all hard surfaces and remove the threat of dangerous microbes. Pay special attention to surfaces and appliances in the kitchen and bathrooms. Air out any fabrics in the sun, and use a fabric appropriate disinfectant before returning it to the home.
Sewage. If sewage is present in the home, always wear waterproof gloves, masks, and rubber boots when cleaning. Throw away anything that can’t be thoroughly disinfected.
Health Hazards
Throw away contaminated food. If you have been without power for more than 4 hours, throw out all perishable items like thawed meat, eggs, dairy products, and any leftovers.
Go to the doctor for an open wound. Traveling in flood water on foot is dangerous. If you have an open would or were injured while traveling, you may have been exposed to illness causing bacteria and germs. Contact your doctor for further instructions on immunization boosters, cleaning, and caring for your injury.
Water contamination. Do not drink tap water until you hear that the water systems are clean. Flooding can affect an entire community’s water supply. Listen to the news and stick to bottled water until you hear that tap water is safe for consumption.
Hypothermia, overheating, and exhaustion. Flooding can happen any time of the year and cause temperature related illness and exhaustion from traveling or working in flooded areas. Stay hydrated and rest when necessary to prevent these conditions. If the weather is cool, try to stay as dry as possible and wear protective clothing when traveling.
Drowning. Never work alone in flooded areas. Wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket around flooding. In flood conditions, even shallow water can lead to drowning accidents.
Extreme caution and common sense can help you stay safe and healthy after a flood. Always reach out to a local authority if you have any questions about returning home, helping with a rescue effort, or addressing a potential hazard.