Flooded? 'Turn Around, Don't Drown'

Floods can occur anywhere, and floods are the number two weather-related killer in the United States (heat-related illness is number one). Floodwaters may rise gradually or flash floods could strike suddenly.  According to NOAA, “In the U.S., floods kill more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning.”

According to FEMA:

·         Six inches of water can knock people off their feet

·         One foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle

If indoors:

If water begins to enter and rise in the facility, seek higher ground such as a higher floor or the roof.

If outdoors:

Move away from flooded areas to higher ground.

Do not walk or wade through floodwater.  If you slip and fall, you might drown.  Hazards under the water could also cause injuries.

If in a vehicle:

Do not bypass barricaded areas. And remember – customers may follow you due to the trust they have in the Postal Service. "Turn around, don't drown!"

Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.  Attempting to drive through water may stall your engine and may cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.

If your vehicle begins to float on water, the floodwater becomes your steering wheel. If that water is moving, your vehicle could be swept away, tipped on its side, or flipped.  Rising water can enter your vehicle in a manner of minutes, even seconds.

If you become stuck in your vehicle underwater, you need to act quickly:

·         Find a pocket of trapped air, usually against the rear window or roof.

·         Roll a window down slowly, take a deep breath, and be ready to swim.

·         If the window won't open, break it.

·         If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a passerby or someone standing on higher ground so they may call for help.