Flood Safety

The primary cause of death in flood waters is drowning. As little as six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. Vehicles can be swept away in as little as two feet of water. If a vehicle becomes trapped or submerged, passengers may become trapped and unable to escape, leading to drowning.

Flood waters often conceal hazards such as downed power lines, sharp debris, or sudden changes in terrain like ditches or holes. These can cause fatal injuries, electrocutions, or trap individuals beneath the surface of the water.

Flood waters can be contaminated with various harmful substances, including sewage, chemicals, or dangerous microbes. Prolonged exposure to or ingestion of such contaminated water can lead to severe illness or infection, which in extreme cases can be fatal if medical attention is not immediately available.