County Advises Residents to Prepare for Heavy Rains and Flooding
Montgomery County officials are advising residents to prepare for heavy rains and possible flooding beginning tomorrow. Here are some tips to help you prepare and some information about the dangers of flooding:
In Anticipation of Flooding:
• If possible, clear storm drains of leaves and debris and check gutters.
• If your basement is prone to flooding, move valuables to a higher location.
• Store valuables and important personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Know alternate routes to avoid those areas.
• Remember, never attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious and very difficult to determine at night.
Flooding Facts:
• Flash floods develop from intense storms dropping large amounts of water in a short time. Flash floods occur with little or no warning. During periods of urban flooding, streets can become swift moving rivers and basements can fill with water.
• If a Flash Flood Warning, issued when flooding is imminent or occurring, goes into effect, take immediate precautions.
• In many cases it takes less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles; two feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-up trucks.Swiftly moving floodwaters of six inches will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing lack of control and possible stalling.
• Roads covered by floodwaters could already be washed away; don’t drive across roads that are not visible.
• Heed all flooding alerts and warnings from public safety officials.
Driving Precautions during Heavy Rain and Flooding:
• Always exercise caution on roadways during periods of heavy rain: use headlights whenever you use windshield wipers, reduce speeds and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
• Know your location and do not become distracted while driving. If you need public safety assistance, you need to be able to provide your specific location.
• If you encounter high water, turn around and drive to a safe spot. Call the police non-emergency number – 301-279-8000 to report the situation to emergency personnel.
• Never drive around a street barricade.
• If your vehicle is trapped in high water call 9-1-1 for rescue. Get out and go to higher ground if you can safely do so.
• Six inches of water can sweep a person off their feet and rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and be dangerous to you when walking, wading or swimming through flood waters.
• If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you to determine depth and any underwater debris.
For emergencies, call 911 immediately. For information about County programs and services, call 3-1-1 (use 240.777.0311 for cell phones), between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or go anytime to the call center’s online portal at www.MC311.com. The hours at the MC311 call center will be extended this weekend if weather conditions warrant.
To stay informed during a severe weather event, major crisis or other type of emergency, sign up for the County’s “Alert Montgomery” emergency warning system. Learn more at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OEMHS/AlertMontgomery.
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County Advises Residents to Prepare for Heavy Rains and Flooding
Montgomery County officials are advising residents to prepare for heavy rains and possible flooding beginning tomorrow. Here are some tips to help you prepare and some information about the dangers of flooding: In Anticipation of Flooding: • If possible, clear storm drains of leaves and debris and check gutters. • If your basement is prone […]
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