Water, water everywhere!

Posted: September 12, 2018, 9:15AM

We have had a LOT of rain in our area! We were fortunate at my house - we only had about 4" of rain this past weekend. A friend in Belmont county had 7" of rain. Some areas got more, some less but we all received a lot of rain!

Hurricane Florence is heading to the Carolina coast as I write this, and depending on the track of storm, we may get more rain in the very near future.

Flooding can be a result of torrential downpours which may cause flash flooding. Flash floods can come quickly and without warning. Flooding can be a result of rising waters in rivers and streams. Flooding can cause power and communication outages. Flooding can disrupt transportation and make roads impassable. Flooding can also damage buildings and create landslides. Do you know what to do to remain safe?

Here are some tips:

Listen to local radio, TV, NOAA weather radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions
Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off. Don't forget batteries, water, medications, pet food, pet medications, and a manual can opener.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
Go to a safe location that you have identified and make sure that it is in an accessible location that will not be impacted by the flood.
Do not drive through flood waters. Turn around - don't drown! Just 6" of water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can carry your car away.
Do not walk or swim in flood waters. Flood waters contain debris, contaminants and possibly snakes or other animals.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic or upstairs space. You may become trapped. Go on the roof only if necessary, and signal for help.
Use a generator or other gasoline powered machinery outdoors only and away from windows. Fumes can be lethal.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Downed power lines or wet electrical equipment can be deadly.

For more information, go to ready.wv.gov.