Monroe County, Indiana

What should I do if a flood or flash flooding is likely for my area?

Listen to the radio or television for information. People living in low lying areas along or adjacent to lakes, rivers or streams should be prepared to move to higher ground if there is any possibility of flooding or flash flooding. If you must prepare to evacuate, move essential items to an upper floor, disconnect electrical appliances; turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. If you have to leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can cause you to lose your balance. Walk only where the water is not moving and use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. People traveling in a car, truck or other vehicle should avoid areas affected by flash flooding rather than attempt to cross it. More than half of all deaths attributed to flash flooding are people swept away in vehicles when trying to pass through standing water. Unfortunately, many deaths occur when someone knowingly drives around a barricade indicating the road is washed out ahead. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. One foot of water will float many vehicles. As little as two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sports utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.