In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

As the nation reels from the tragic floods in Arkansas on Friday that killed at least 18 people, Inga Jelescheff, senior director of operations for the Preparedness, Health and Safety Services Division of the American Red Cross, has an article on CNN.com on flood safety. The piece, “Preparing For Flood Danger In Wilderness,” offers some preparedness tips for the 40% of Americans who will camp or hike this summer:

• Share your travel plans with a family member, neighbor or friend

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service.

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way — 6 inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way.

• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than 2 feet of moving water.

• Keep children out of the water, as their curiosity could cause them to get too close to fast-moving flood waters.

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Download our Flood Safety checklist, visit redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross for additional information on how to prepare for emergencies and to get trained.