Monroe County, Indiana

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.

A flood is when there is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. Flooding can also be characterized as the deluge of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream or drainage ditch. Flooding may last for several days, even weeks. A flash flood is when there is an overflow of water caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Flash flooding can also occur even if no rain has fallen, for instance after a levee or dam has failed. Flash flooding is extremely dangerous because of the suddenness and because the majority of people tend to underestimate the hazards.

Listen for news reports and return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. Avoid flood water as it may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Flood water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Stay out of any building surrounded by floodwaters. Use extreme caution when entering buildings as there may be hidden damage, particularly in the foundation. Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.

Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home or building. Be sure to elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel is susceptible to flooding. Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up in to the drains in your home. Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your home or building. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

Flood losses are not covered under homeowners’ insurance policies. Flood insurance is available whether the structure is in or out of the identified flood-prone area. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect, so don’t delay.

A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in a particular area. When the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch you should continue with your normal activities, but keep close tabs on the latest weather information and be prepared to seek shelter in case tornadoes develop quickly. The National Weather Service will issue a warning for a particular area once a tornado or funnel cloud has already been sighted or a tornado touchdown is reported or if a tornado may be imminent. A tornado warning also can be issued if National Weather Service radar indicates a tornado may be possible. In some instances, but not always, a tornado warning can indicate the potential is there for severe straight-line winds and damaging hail from a thunderstorm. A severe thunderstorm warning can be upgraded to a tornado warning should conditions warrant. Warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are issued based on the path of a storm although circumstances can warrant including an entire county or counties, especially if they are small. A tornado warning means there is immediate danger for the area indicated as well as the immediate surrounding vicinity.

IN YOUR HOME — If your home has a basement, go there immediately. Otherwise, closets, bathrooms and interior walls on the first floor will provide the best protection in most cases. Other possibilities are seeking shelter in a stairwell, under a bed, table or other piece of sturdy furniture to shield you from flying or falling debris. Also cover yourself with a blanket and stay away from windows. IN AN APARTMENT, SCHOOL, OR AT WORK IN AN OFFICE BUILDING — Go to the inner-most room on the lowest level or to a designated shelter area. If in a hallway, get in a crouched position and protect your head from flying or falling debris. Stay clear from windows or areas with glass and large roof expansions. IN A MOBILE HOME, CAR, TRUCK OR OTHER VEHICLE — Get out as soon as possible and seek a sturdy or permanent shelter. Do not attempt to outrun the tornado. Avoid bridges and underpasses as they can act as wind tunnels. IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY — Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.