During flood conditions, take this advice seriously

DEM Blogger

September 23, 2018

Flooding can happen any time of the year in Fayette County. Areas around creeks and streams are especially likely to flood as are low lying areas in neighborhoods and roadways. 

Lexington Emergency Management wants you to pay attention to heavy rain events that may lead to flooding. The National Weather Service will issue flood advisories, watches and warnings. You can get these warnings on your smartphone, via email and on your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio. 

Some reminders when flooding happens:

• Do not drive through flooded streets or roads. TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN! Some cars can be swept away by 6 inches of water. One foot of water is enough to get inside your car and short out electrical systems, stalling your car and leaving you in danger.
• If there’s water across the road, you can’t tell if there’s really road under the water or if the road has been washed out. Water running across a road can float and push a car into floodwaters. Many deaths during storms come after drivers venture into floodwaters, are swept away and drown.
• Do not go out and wade or play in floodwaters. Floodwaters can be contaminated with wastewater, sewage, chemicals and other contaminants that can make you seriously ill. 
• Do not let children go out and play in floodwaters. There have been several recent events of children who go out to play in flooded creeks and are swept away and drown in floodwaters. Floodwaters are not playgrounds. Keep a safe distance away from any creek or stream that’s flooded.
• If you live in a flood prone area, be ready to evacuate before you’re cut off by flood waters. Keep your emergency up-to-date so you can leave quickly with family members and pets.

Here’s more from Lexington Emergency Management on what to do before, during and after a flood event.