












Throw away food that has come in
contact with floodwaters.
Clean and disinfect everything that got
wet. Mud left from floodwater can
contain sewage and chemicals.
Flooded buildings should be pumped out
and disinfected. Pump out basements
gradually, about 1/3 per day, to avoid
structural damage.
After the water is pumped out, solid
wastes should be disposed of in a
functioning sewage disposal system or
sealed in plastic bags for disposal.
Flooded floor and wall surfaces should
be washed with a solution of two capfuls
of bleach for each gallon of water.
Carpeting, mattresses and upholstered
furniture should be disposed of or
cleaned and disinfected professionally.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools,
pits, and leaching systems as soon as
possible. Damaged sewage systems are
serious health hazards.
If you have been evacuated, listen to the
Media and your local Public Safety
Officials. Do not return home until
authorities indicate that it is safe to do so.
If you come in contact with floodwaters,
take care to wash your hands frequently.
Wear gloves at all possible times.
Do not become a spectator. Unnecessary
travel into the most impacted areas could
hinder efforts of Public Safety Officials.
Before returning to a building, inspect
for cracks or damage. When entering,
use extreme caution making sure that the
building is not in danger of collapsing.
Dampness in basements, walls, carpets,
and wood provide an excellent
environment for mold to flourish. If you
see or smell mold, take immediate steps
to eliminate the excess moisture.






Take pictures of the damage to the house
and its contents for insurance claims.
Look for hazards such as broken or
leaking gas lines, flooded electrical
circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical
appliances and damaged sewage systems.
Do not turn your yard into a dump. Have
heath hazard debris hauled away.
Prepare for a rough time. Recovering
from a flood is a big job. It is taxing on
the body and spirit. The after-effects of
this type of disaster on you and your
family may last a long time.
Consult a health professional to care for
and recognize anxiety, stress and fatigue.
Be a good neighbor. Make sure those
around you are safe and have the help
that they need!
Here are more web sites to check further
on the topic of Flood Safety Tips.
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weatherrain.htm
http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/
http://www.fema.gov/kids/floods.htm
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2modulec
hunk&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2
=Local+Government&L3=Community+Sanitat
ion&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_
environmental_g_sanitation_storm_fact_sheet
&csid=Eeohhs2
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsagencyland
ing&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Public+Safety+Age
ncies&L2=Massachusetts+Emergency+Manage
ment+Agency&sid=Eeops
http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivi
ngsafety/drivingsafetytips/flood.htmlhttp://gohs
ep.la.gov/factsheets/floodsaf.htm
http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/floodsafe.sht
ml
Flood
Water
Safety
Tips
From
Safety Officer
Paul G. Corcoran
Lowell Police Department
50 Arcand Drive
Lowell, Mass. 01854
978-937-3210
www.lowellpolice.com
Flooding can happen during heavy rains
when rivers overflow, when ocean waves
come onshore, when snow melts too fast, or
when dams and levees break. Flooding may
be only a few inches of water or it
may cover a house to the
rooftop! Floods that
happen very quickly are
called “flashfloods.”
Flooding is the most common of all natural
hazards and can happen in every U.S. State
and territory. The Lowell Police Department
wants you to be aware and be prepared by
reading this flood safety trifold and getting
to know these flood safety tips!


Get to Know the Language



FLOOD WATCH - means that an overflow
of water from a river is possible nearby.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH - means that flash
flooding is possible in or close to the watch
area. Flash Flood Watches can be put into
effect for as long as 12 hours, while heavy
rains move in to and across the area.
FLOOD WARNING - means flooding
conditions are actually occurring in the
warning area.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING - means that
flash flooding is actually occurring in the
warning area. A warning can also be issued
as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure
or the quick thawing of snow.




Have a disaster plan and prepare a
disaster supplies kit for your home and
car. Include a first aid kit, canned food,
can opener, bottled water, batteryoperated radio, flashlight, protective
clothing and written instructions on how
to turn off electricity, gas, and water.










Be prepared! Pack a bag with important
items in case you need to evacuate.
Don't forget to include your medications.
Evacuate immediately if advised to do so.
If there is any possibility of a flash flood,
move immediately to higher ground.
If possible, bring in outdoor furniture
and move essential items to upper floors.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or
valves if instructed to do so.
Disconnect electrical appliances.





Safety Tips During a Flood




If not able to evacuate, move to a safe
area quickly. Move to higher ground,
like the highest floor of your home.
If you have to walk in water, wherever
possible, walk where the water is not
moving. Use a stick to check the firmness
of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. The
water depth is not obvious. The road
may be washed away. If floodwaters rise
around your car, abandon the car and
move to higher ground safely.
Do not touch electrical equipment if you
are wet or standing in water.
If your car stalls, leave it. Seek higher
ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf
the car, pick it up and sweep it away.
Avoid already flooded areas.
If flowing water is above your ankles,
stop, turn around and go the other way.
Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding
like low spots and canyons.
Be cautious at night, because its harder
to see the dangers of flooded areas.
Safety Tips For After The Flood
Safety Tips When Flood Is Imminent.
Safety Tips Before A Flood.

Avoid building in a floodplain.
Construct barriers (levees, beams,
floodwalls) to stop floodwater from
entering your home.
Seal walls in basements with compounds
to waterproof and avoid seepage.
If a flood is likely in your area, listen to
the radio or television for information.
Know the difference between a flood
watch and a flood warning.
Kids should never play around high
water, storm drains or viaducts.





Flood dangers do not end when the
waters begins to recede!
Always boil drinking water. Boil water
for drinking and food preparation
vigorously for five minutes before using.
Electrical equipment should be checked
and dried before being used.
Listen for news reports to learn whether
the community's water supply is safe.
Avoid floodwaters! Oil, gasoline, or raw
sewage water may contaminate them.
Water may also be electrically charged
from underground or downed power
lines. Assume all wires are live and avoid
all downed power lines. Electrical
current CAN travel through water.
Report downed electrical wires to your
utility company or local authorities.
Avoid moving water.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters
have receded. Roads may have weakened
and could collapse with the car’s weight.
Stay out of any building surrounded by
floodwaters. Foundations weaken!
Yards that have been contaminated by
flooded sewage systems should be
disinfected by a liberal application of
lime. Children and animals should be
kept away from limed areas until the
lime is no longer visible.