Flood Safety

It seems the Southeast can't get a break. Storm after storm have left paths of destruction. In Memphis, we're seeing areas of serious flooding.

Susan Helms, director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Mid-South at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, urges parents to keep their families safe by being aware of flooding dangers.

"Sometimes it's tempting to take risks and ignore signs of a flood. Many drivers, especially, underestimate the water's depth or swiftness, which leads to serious injury or death," said Helms. She and Safe Kids Mid-South urge families to follow the National Weather Service's recommendations.

Here are the NWS' tips:

Never drive in the flood waters. People have been killed by driving on roads and bridges that are covered by water. It only takes two feet of water to carry away a car.

Never underestimate the swiftness of the water. Flooded rivers and streams are unpredictable. Even though the surface water may be smooth, the water is moving very fast.

Don't assume your vehicle is safe. High water on roads will quickly stall motor vehicles. Most trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles also are susceptible to being swept away by high water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing the vehicles are safe under any conditions.

Take an alternate route around the flooded area. If you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route, even though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water.

Never stay with your car in a flooded area. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and get away from the water to safety.

Road-closed and flood signs are there for your protection. Do not drive through them.

Never walk in flood waters. It only takes six inches of swiftly moving water to sweep a person off his or her feet.

Never let children play near rivers or storm drains when the water is rising or high. Swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving in a flooded river.

Paths covered in flood water may hide hidden dangers. If you can't see the ground, you don't know what is there. There could be a hole where a drain cover has been washed away.

You don't know what is in the water. Flood water may contain sewage and/or other unpleasant and potentially harmful substances. Don't let children or pets play in flood water; it simply isn't safe.

Flood time is not a time for play. Flooded rivers and streams are not safe for recreational boating. Many canoeists and kayakers have been rescued from dangerous rapids in flood-swollen streams and rivers.

Don't let your pets in or near flood water. Pets can get into trouble too, and there have been cases of people drowning trying to rescue their pet.

Stay away from storm drains, ditches and river areas.

Know what to do if someone falls in or is trapped in flood water. Do not go after the victim. Use a floatation device. If possible, throw the victim something to use as a flotation device (spare tire, large ball). Use something reach him or her - a branch, a rope, even a jacket. You may be able to reach him or her until help can arrive. Call 9-1-1 immediately!