The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross is preparing for more rain to hit the Valley and is encouraging people to be prepared and follow the direction of local officials. During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe. Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!

• Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
• If you’re caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
• Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.

Cleaning up after a flood can be overwhelming. Be cautious and take care of yourself.

• Wear protective clothing, including long pants, boots, work gloves and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs.
• Watch out for debris and avoid fallen power lines, poles and wires.
• Stay away from floodwaters, which may contain sewage, sharp items, bacteria and chemicals that can make you sick.
• Don’t touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing in water.
• Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Follow the advice of local public health officials to protect yourself. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
• If your home was flooded, completely dry your home and everything in it as quickly as possible

The Emergency App helps you and your loved ones before, during, and after a disaster. Access short guides to help you prepare, receive National Weather Service alerts, view live weather maps, and find Red Cross shelters and services near you. Download the Emergency app now. Available in iOS and Android. Search "American Red Cross" in your app store. Or text: "GETEMERGENCY" to 90999.

Flood Safety | Flood Preparedness | American Red Cross      

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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.