1. Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water is enough to knock you off your feet.
2. Do not drive through a flooded area. Two feet of water will carry away most cars. One foot of water can displace 1,500 pounds of weight. If a car weighs less than 1,500 pounds it could be floated by a foot of water.
3. Stay away from downed power lines and also electrical lines in your own home. Electrical current can travel through water.
4. Watch for animals and snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in your home.
5. Watch your step. After a flood the ground is covered with debris including broken glass and sharp objects just below the mud. Wet or muddy steps can be slippery.
6. Use a flashlight to check for gas leaks. Soapy water on gas lines will reveal leaks as soap bubbles form. Don’t use candles or smoke until you are certain there are no gas leaks.
7. Have an evacuation plan for yourself and family members. Choose a route and a meeting place.
8. Prepare an emergency kit in a portable container. Make it small enough to grab quickly and go. Suggested items for such a kit include portable radio, flashlight, spare batteries, spare car keys, spare pair of glasses, prescription medication, nonperishable food items, bottled water, first aid kit, blanket, list of important numbers, and copies of important papers.
9. Shut off utilities before hand. Make sure family members know how to shut off gas at the meter and power at the breaker box.
10. Consider buying flood insurance. Normally there is a 30-day waiting period before policies go into effect. For more information on Flood safety check the Emporia Public Library’s Floodplain Collection or call Lyon County Floodplain Manager at 620-341-3471.
    

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