Storm Safety in North Central Florida

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

Practice Storm Safety and be Prepared

It feels like the weather changes almost instantly in North Florida!  One minute it is hot and dry, the next minute a storm or hurricane is approaching the area.  No matter what, we seem to get our fair share of rain consistently!

We had a friend get in trouble really quickly while driving during a flood watch/warning. Thankfully, emergency crews rescued her in time but her car was a total loss.  She literally said it was seconds from when she attempted to drive through what she thought was a "shallow but big puddle" and the time her car began to fill with water.  After that, she reminds me every time it starts to rain like it is right now. 

Thinking of my friends and neighbors in our North Florida, I decided to go on Weather.GOV today and do some research as I watched the rain pour down. I found these really good tips to keep us and our loved ones safe during this rainy time.  Please stay safe out there!

During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor local radio and television outlets. Avoid floodwaters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Don't wait until it's too late!

• Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates.
• Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
• Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!
• Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Do NOT drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

As you can tell, water can be extremely dangerous and it can quickly cause large amounts of damage. If floodwater enters your home, be sure to follow flood safety tips from the CDC, and then give SERVPRO of Columbia & Suwannee Counties covering more than five North Central Florida counties a call at (386) 754-0261.