Pearls of Prevention

You do not have to live in a hurricane area to see flooding. Whether it has been raining for days or it is a huge downpour, flooding poses a huge risk for many people in Wisconsin. Would you know what to do in case of this threat?

The flooding has begun, now what? If you are being told to evacuate, do so. Get out of the flooding areas. Do not drive through floodwaters. Two feet of water can float a car! If your car does stall, leave it and go to higher ground. The water can rise quickly and engulf the car. Do not walk through flood waters. Six inches of rapid running water can knock a person off their feet. Stay away from downed power lines.

Cannot leave the house before the flooding? Move to the second floor, attic, or roof. Take some dry clothes, battery-powered radio and a flashlight with you. Do not try to swim to safety! Wait for the rescuers.

Have a plan in place in case you and your family get separated (good idea for any disaster). Have a meeting area set up. Make sure family or friends can pick up children from school or day care. Oh, and do not forget the other family members — your pets.

Plan ahead and be safe.