Summertime Severe Weather Safety: Flash Floods

flooded cars
Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

The weather can change quickly during the summer months, sometimes catching outdoor workers off guard and posing a serious threat to their safety. When working outdoors, make sure you have access to severe weather alerts, and know what – and what not- to do if severe weather strikes.

  • Don’t walk or drive through water during a flash flood. It only takes 6 inches of quickly moving water to sweep a person off their feet and 2 feet of water to move a car.
  • Flash floods occur when areas prone to flooding are threatened by heavy rains. Whenever heavy rains are forecasted over a short period of time, be prepared to move to higher ground.
  • Be especially careful at nighttime when it is more difficult to see rising water levels and judge the depth of water covering road surfaces.
  • Never use electrical tools in flooded areas.

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Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)