Every flood disaster brings tragic news stories about people dying after trying to cross flooded areas in their cars. The September 2009 floods in the Atlanta area where no different. Most fatalities, but not all, were related to people driving through flood waters.

Here’s a flooding rule to literally live by: DON’T CROSS FLOODED STREETS, OVERRUN CREEKS, OR ANY WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE.

Other Flood Safety Tips.

• One foot of water will sweep away most sedans.

• Two feet of water can turn even the most manly of pick-up trucks into floating death traps.

• If you’re driving and the flood waters begin to rise around you, bail out of your car and get to high ground. You’re car might not make it, but you will, and that’s the whole point, right?

• The government sites will tell you not to walk in moving water that’s over six inches deep. Play, it safe, make it five. Cite this mantra: Water  is strong an overwhelming. You are weak and small.

• In fact, avoid even touching flood waters if you can, and don’t let your kids play in them either. During Katrina citizens didn’t really have a choice, but if you do, avoid flood waters. They can be contaminated with all sorts of nasty things, like motor oil, sewage, antifreeze, paint, and the like.

• What you can’t see can shock the hell out of you. Flood waters can also be electrically charged by downed, and underground, power lines. Best to stay away.

• If you’re at home and ordered to evacuate, shut off your electricity and other utilities at the main switches. Find out where these switches are BEFORE an emergency if possible. If you don’t know ask your electrician.

If you can, and if there’s time, unplug electric appliances.

• IMPT. Don’t forget what you learned in first grade, water and electricity are an unhealthy combo. DO NOT mess around with electricity–appliances, etc–if they are wet, or if you are wet.

• Floods are notorious for contaminating municipal water systems with sewage so don’t drink the water, even if it looks clean, until the city officials say it’s safe. If you have a well that was flooded better get it tested before drinking out of it. See the section on water safety for more information.

MORE INFORMATION

Want to know if you’re house is in a flood zone? FEMA has a site where you can punch in your address and look at local flood maps. It’s a bit cumbersome, but click here to look up your house.

The National Weather Service monitors flood levels around the country. Click here to see their interactive map on current flood locations