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Dealing with Heavy Rains

 Be cautious of 

streams,drainage

channels and 

areas known

to flood 

suddenly.

 L e a r n i n g f o r b e t t e r l i v i

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards.

Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can resul

in raging waters in just a few minutes. Flash floods carry a deadly carg

of rocks, mud and other debris and can occur without any visible sign

rainfall. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambed

or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood, so b

prepared.

To find out if there is a chance of flooding in your area, listen to local

radio or television stations for information. It is helpful to know the term

used to describe flooding. Take time to become familiar with the followin

terms.

Flood Watch Flooding is possible.

Flash Flood Watch Flash flooding is possible. Move to

higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warnin

Flood Warning Flooding is occurring or will occur soon

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning A flash flood is occurring. Seek

higher ground on foot immediately. Do not wait for instructio

to move.

Urban and Small Stream Advisory Flooding of small

streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring.

Be cautious of streams, drainage channels and areas known to floo

suddenly. Stay away from these areas until you know they are saf

If local authorities issue a flood watch, take the following steps to prepa

to evacuate:

Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden

equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move

essential items to the upper floors of you home or high

cupboards or counter.

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 Following

these safety

guidelines

can help your 

 family

survive a

disaster.

Extension Educational programs are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. Other publicationof Cooperative Extension at: http://extensionenespanol.net

 L e a r n i n g f o r b e t t e r l i v i

If instructed to, turn off utilities at the main switches or valve

Disconnect electrical applicants, but do not touch electrica

equipment if you are wt or standing in water.

Fill your car with fuel.

Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminat

or services are cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.

Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can kno

you off your feet. If you much walk in a flooded area, walk where the

water is not moving. You can use a stick to check the firmness of the

ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car,

abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. Yo

and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.

If you are uncertain of the purity of the water supply in your area, purif

it before using it for drinking, food preparation, or hygiene. In addition

having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain disease

causing microorganisms.

It is important that everyone in your household drink the amount of wat

they need to avoid becoming dehydrated. Never ration water, unless yo

are ordered to do so by authorities. Drink the water you need today an

try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water yo

body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

Following these safety guidelines can help your family survive a disaste

For more information contact your local emergency management offic

or the American Red Cross chapter.

Karen P. Varcoe, Consumer Education Specialist, University of California, Cooperative Extension, in collaboration withUCs Spanish News Service.

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