Historic Flooding in Florida

The disturbance that developed over the Atlantic Ocean a few days ago, has brought historic flooding to certian areas of Florida. Parts of northern and central Florida were hardest hit and counties such as Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Seminole, and Volusia, were declared a state of emergency by governor Charlie Crist. The water has been slowly receding but many homes and businesses still remain submerged. Source
Flooding is a common occurrence that can happen around the world, and is the number one natural disaster in the United States. On average, floods kill about 140 people each year and cause $6 billion in property damage. Not every flood is the same, and some floods may take several days to develop. Others can develop quickly as flash floods and move objects such as rocks and debris in a rushing flow. Everyone is at risk for a flood and it is essential to know your if your home is located floodplain area. It is also know know specific flood terms such as flood watch, flash flood watch, and flash flood warning, neither should be ignored. When a flood watch is issued, it means that flooding is possible and to tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. When a flash flood watch is issued it means that a flash flooding is possible and to be prepared to move to higher ground. Listening to a commercial radio, or television for information is essential as well. When a flood warning is issued, flooding is occurring or will occur soon and if advised to evacuate, do so immediately and if a flash flood warning is issued, a flash flood is occurring and seek higher ground on foot immediately.
Below are a few important safety tips to help keep you and your home:

• Constructing barriers such as levees, beams, floodwalls, can help to stop floodwater from entering the building in a way to ensure your home’s safety before a flood. Installing “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home can help as well.
• If a flood is occurring, secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves as well, if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances and DO NOT touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. If you are to evacuate, DO NOT walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water is enough to make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. DO NOT drive into flooded areas, in fact a foot of water is enough to float a car and six inches of water can cause possible stalling. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely, you and the vehicle can be quickly carried away.
• After the flood, listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. Also avoid floodwaters as the water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Avoid moving water. Also be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car and clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

For more information about flood safety visit: FEMA: Are You Ready?- Floods, found at this link.

Don't Forget About Your Car This Season!

As the temperatures drop and strong winds produce the wind chill, we lose body heat which can make it feel bitterly cold outside, possibly leading to frostbite or hypothermia. We grab our coats and gloves to protect us from the cold and as ice forms on the highways and streets, and the potential for accidents becomes greater as the risk for hidden dangers is heightened. According to Weather.com, any temperature below 20° Fahrenheit or above 90° Fahrenheit, can pose hazardous driving conditions due to weather. As we protect ourselves from the cold we need not forget about our cars as the colder environment can take a toll on the car too. Here are some tips on protecting your car from winter’s icy grip:

1. Check your windshield wipers. One of the worse things that could possibly happen is that during a snow/ sleet mix, slush from the street is kicked onto your front windshield and completely blinds your view. Good windshield wipers clean it off and make sure it is spotless by checking the status of the windshield wiper fluid.
2. Tires, tires, tires. Have you ever considered snow tires? They can improve traction if you just have them on for the winter season months, rather than the tires that wear down during any season because they are left on. Not looking for snow tires, check the tread depth, a tread depth of 2/32″ is safe according to National Highway Transportation Safety Board. Also check the tire pressure; tires lose pressure (one pound per square inch) whenever the temperature drops by 10°.
3. Fill up on that antifreeze! Leaking anti-freeze is not a good thing and like a coat to protect us from the cold, antifreeze helps to protect your car from the wintry environment. Make sure the mix is 50% antifreeze and 50% water.
4. Routine maintenance. Don’t prolong your oil-change. When the environment is colder the oil can become thicker and the goal is to keep your car’s engine lubricated. A quick reference for the right kind of oil to use in different temperatures and weather conditions can be found in the owner’s manual. Test your battery and check your belts as well.
5. Have an emergency kit. Emergencies can happen at any time and The Red Cross urges being prepared as part of their three steps towards preparedness. Include an ice scraper and snow brush, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, bag of salt or cat litter and non-perishable foods as part of your kit!

These are just a few tips to start winterizing your car. For more information on preparing your car for the winter and what to do if you become stranded check out: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/winterize.html. For more information on preparing for emergencies and The Red Cross, check out: http://www.redcross.org/. Happy driving!