National Flood Safety Awareness Week Taking Place March 14-18

Residents Reminded to Educate Themselves and Their Families on What to Do During a Flood

The City of Naperville reminds all residents to educate themselves on what to do during a flood situation during National Flood Safety Awareness Week taking place from March 14-18, 2011.

“Flooding can strike without warning at any time,” Community Relations Manager Nadja Lalvani said. “With spring approaching, the chances of flood events are heightened. It is essential that all community members understand how to prepare for flooding and have an emergency plan in place.”

The city offers the following tips to keep individuals safe before and during a flood situation:

• Always pay attention to flood watches and warnings.

• Have an emergency kit prepared and easily accessible. If you currently have a kit in place, check the items and make sure they are in proper working order. Replace any items that have expired.

• Have a plan of action in place should you need to evacuate your home or business due to a flood.

• During a flood, move any items outside of your home that could be impacted by floodwaters inside the structure.

• In the event of a flood, turn off your utilities if instructed to do so by authorized officials. Do not attempt to turn off utilities if you are wet or in a location where there is standing water.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If flooding occurs, move to higher ground immediately.

• Do not walk through floodwaters. Floodwaters can move rapidly, and there is often a large amount of debris in the water.

• Do not drive through flooded streets. Six inches of water is enough to make your car stall. Two feet of water is enough to carry most vehicles away, including sport utility vehicles.

• If you are overtaken by floodwaters while in your vehicle, abandon the car and try to move to higher ground. If unable to do so, call 9-1-1.

• Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches.

• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, especially when threatening weather conditions exist.

• Be especially cautious in the evening and at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

• Always follow the directions of public safety officials.

The city encourages all residents to develop a safety plan for use in your home, workplace, school and vehicle. The city has produced an Emergency Preparedness Guide to assist residents in creating a plan. A copy of this document is available on the city's website at www.naperville.il.us/emergencyprepguide.aspx. Information on how to prepare for flood events is available at www.naperville.il.us/floodawarenessweek.aspx. The National Weather Service also offers important flood safety information at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, visit the city's website at www.naperville.il.us/nema.aspx. For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us. Sign up to receive the latest news on the City of Naperville's projects and initiatives via e-mail at www.naperville.il.us/enews.aspx.