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Floods

Flooding is the most common natural hazard in Harris and Montgomery Counties.

Understand these terms:

  1. Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible.
  2. Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring.

What to do if Flooding is Possible

Safety Tips for Driving on Wet Roads

Play it smart, play it safe

American Red Cross Flood Safety & Preparedness

Resources

What to do if Flooding is Possible:

  • Determine if your area is a flood risk – if unsure; call X5911 or 281.290.5911.
  • Plan for evacuation.
  • Listen for campus alerts and monitor your radio or television for reports of flood danger.
  • Do NOT try to walk or drive through flooded areas.
  • Follow official emergency evacuation routes. If in your vehicle and it stalls in flood water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
  • Stay away from moving water and disaster areas.
  • Turn utilities off until emergency officials advise it is safe to turn them on. Avoid weakened floors, walls, and rooftops.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.
  • When flood waters have receded watch for weakened road surfaces.
  • Do not return to affected areas until it is safe to do so.

Please only call 911 for immediate medical, fire or police emergencies.
Call 311 to report flooding or debris in streets.
Check the resources below if you need to report flooding and for other flooding resources.

Safety Tips for Driving on Wet Roads

Please take precautions when driving in rainy weather. While most people know to slow down in the rain, there are other tips that can save your life.

  • Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet.  Traffic is likely to be moving slower due to accidents or flooded roads.
  • Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you're slowing down.
  • Avoid crossing flooded areas.  If you come to an area that is covered with water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water.
  • Turn on your headlights, even when there's a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you.
  • Watch out for pedestrians. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
  • Pull over and wait it out, if it's raining so hard that you can't see the road or the car in front of you,
  • Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely.  Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.
  • Defog your windows. Rain will quickly cause your windshield to fog up.

Play it smart, play it safe.  Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN! (Youtube)

To keep up with the latest traffic and road conditions click here.

For more information visit the Ready Harris website at http://www.readyharris.org/

Resources

 

 

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