Monday August 13, 2018 — The American Red Cross is monitoring flash flooding in Eastern Pennsylvania and stands ready to assist those affected by the heavy rain. With a number of roads flooded, the Red Cross reminds everyone to never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. The Red Cross has critical safety steps everyone should follow to help stay safe should flooding threaten their community.

FLOODING SAFETY STEPS Everyone should know the difference between a flood watch and warning. A flood or flash flood watch means either is possible in your area. A warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon.

People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information and shelter locations at their fingertips. It also features emergency weather alerts to help keep the user safe, and provides information about what to do in case of various disasters and the locations of open shelters. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

IF FLOODING OCCURS Listen to local radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). People should also:
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way.
• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.