HEAVY RAIN, MELTING SNOWPACK COULD CAUSE FLOODING
Harford County Could Be Affected Over Weekend
Heavy weekend rains, compounded by saturated ground may cause Harford County to be susceptible to flooding over the next several days. Areas forecasts are stating that Harford County may be impacted by several different types of flooding – flash flooding in narrow stream and creek valleys, river cresting near or above flood stage along major waterways, and tidal flooding, particularly along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
“The Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association members urge everyone to follow local weather forecasts and take appropriate steps if they are in areas subject to flooding. And most importantly, if you see standing water in a roadway, do not attempt to cross. As little as six inches of swift moving water can move a vehicle downstream.” stated HCVFEMSA President Albert (Cubby) Bair.
Residents of affected areas should follow the instructions given by emergency officials. If told to evacuate, do so!
Listen to radio or television for information or have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery-back-up to receive warnings.
A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding is possible with the designated watch area. Citizens are advised to be alert.
A Flash Flood or Flood Warning means that flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent and citizens are advised to take necessary precautions at once.
An Urban and Small Stream Advisory means that flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains is occurring.
If you receive a flash flood warning, you may have only seconds to take the following actions:
- Get out of the area subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons and washes.
- Avoid already flooded and high or rapidly flowing areas. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS FLOWING STREAMS.
- If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY! NEVER DRIVE TROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS!
- If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Remember, it is better to be wet than dead.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening weather conditions.
- If you come to a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY!
Remember, if you see standing water in a roadway, DO NOT attempt to cross. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
The Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Association wants to inform the citizens of Harford County that if they experience a flooded basement or any water infiltration in their home, DO NOT call 911 for this matter. This does not constitute an emergency condition. However, IF the water coming in the residence threatens any utilities or the structural integrity of the home then call 911 and the situation will be handled as a high priority. Please be aware that the volunteer fire and EMS companies in Harford County will possibly be inundated with other calls for service that are of a higher priority.
Please be patient and remember to be prepared for any storm related circumstances that might arise.
Here are steps residents can take in advance to prepare for floods:
· Move furniture and valuables to higher floors as floodwater rise.
· Keep the car gas tank filled in case you need to evacuate.
· Make sure that any important document – especially insurance documents – are kept in a dry place.
Here are steps to take after flooding has already occurred:
· Do not eat or drink anything that has come into contact with flood water.
· Follow emergency officials' instructions on safe water consumption. You may have to boil your water.
· Clean and have electrical equipment checked before using.
· Report broken utilities to the proper authorities.
· NEVER play around high water, storm drains, downed utility lines, etc.
· Use flashlights, not an open flame like a candle. Candles are a fire hazard and could cause an explosion if it comes into contact with flammable gases.
· Watch out for snakes and other "stray" animals. Water will cause snakes to come out of the ground with nowhere to go. Many other animals may be abandoned and lost. Never kill snakes or other animals as they will eventually lead to a rodent problem.
· Remember, floodwaters sometimes take days to rise, even when the sun is shining. It can take days for floodwaters to make their way downstream. Don't underestimate the power and speed in which flood waters can rise and destroy everything in its path.
· As people start cleaning up the mess left by the flooding, emergency officials urge them to take extra precautions to protect their own health and safety. Health officials recommend that anyone who has suffered any kind of wound while cleaning up storm damage consider contacting his or her health care provider. Tetanus shots are good for up to ten years.
· Renters and homeowners should assume that anything touched by floodwater is contaminated and will have to be disinfected or thrown away. Mud left by floodwater may contain chemicals from sources as varied as your garden chemicals to a neighbor’s septic tank to the oven cleaner you stored in the kitchen. It is important to clean everything touched by floodwaters as quickly as possible.
· Don’t let floodwater sit for long. Use a mop, squeegee, or wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove standing water. Remove as much mud as possible. Plan to disinfect the basement at a later date. Once you’ve checked the water system for leaks, hose down the inside of the house and its contents. It’s best to use an attachment that sprays soap to wash and rinse the walls, floors, furniture, sockets, electrical boxes and other major items that got muddy.
· Flood victims should separate out flood damaged chemical wastes and not dispose of them with other waste materials. Improper disposal may further threaten the quality of drinking water supplies. Products that should be set aside from other debris for proper disposal include waxes and polishes, caustic cleaners, fertilizers, oils, pesticides and aerosols.
· Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after working in the area.
· Clean all walls, hard-surface floors and other household surfaces with soap and water and disinfect them with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Pay particular attention to areas that come in contact with food, or where small children play. After cleaning a room or item, go over it again with disinfectant to kill germs and odors left by floodwaters.
· When using household cleaners, disinfectants and bleach, always follow directions. Be sure to read the labels and be aware of any caution or danger warnings. Never mix household bleach with other cleaning agents.
· Use a two-bucket method when cleaning. Put cleaning solution in one bucket and rinse water in the other. Replace rinse water frequently.
· Remove and discard contaminated household goods such as wall coverings, rugs, cloth and drywall that can't be disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out.
· Remove mildew with household mildew cleaner; a mixture of five tablespoons washing soda or tri-sodium phosphate to a gallon of water or 1/4 cup of laundry bleach to a gallon of water.
· Empty standing water out of birdbaths, tires, flowerpots and other containers.
· If the pilot light on your propane or natural gas furnace, hot-water heater, stove, or other appliance goes out, have it re-lit by a professional.
Additional information can be found on MEMA’s web site at
www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA/content_page.jsp?TOPICID=floods or at
www.floodsmart.gov.
