Post by Editor on May 18, 2009 15:17:06 GMT -5
Red Cross urges motorists to be cautious around floodwater
PEORIA – With flooding reported throughout parts of central Illinois, including on roadways, the Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter encourages residents to be cautious when confronted with floodwaters and to recognize danger.
In the car
It takes only 2 feet to float a vehicle. Indeed, water weighs 62.4 lbs. per cubic foot and typically flows downstream at 6 to 12 miles an hour. When a vehicle stalls in water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. For each foot the water rises, 500 pounds of lateral force is applied to the car. And for each foot the water rises up the side of the car, the car displaces 1,500 lbs. of water.
Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
If you come upon floodwaters, don’t drive through them; the road could be washed out underneath.
Do not attempt to drive through road barricades. They are there for your safety. About 80 percent of people who die in floods die in their vehicles. If you see a barricade warning of high water, seek an alternate route.
If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Out of the car
Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet. Many people are swept away wading through flood waters.
Never try to walk or swim through swift water. If you come upon floodwaters, turn around and go another way.
Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. It is very easy to be swept away by fast-moving water.
Heed flood warnings
A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued in your area, be sure to fill your car's gas tank in case of an evacuation notice. Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
For more severe weather preparedness tips, visit www.redcrossillinois.org
PEORIA – With flooding reported throughout parts of central Illinois, including on roadways, the Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter encourages residents to be cautious when confronted with floodwaters and to recognize danger.
In the car
It takes only 2 feet to float a vehicle. Indeed, water weighs 62.4 lbs. per cubic foot and typically flows downstream at 6 to 12 miles an hour. When a vehicle stalls in water, the water's momentum is transferred to the car. For each foot the water rises, 500 pounds of lateral force is applied to the car. And for each foot the water rises up the side of the car, the car displaces 1,500 lbs. of water.
Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas.
If you come upon floodwaters, don’t drive through them; the road could be washed out underneath.
Do not attempt to drive through road barricades. They are there for your safety. About 80 percent of people who die in floods die in their vehicles. If you see a barricade warning of high water, seek an alternate route.
If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Out of the car
Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet. Many people are swept away wading through flood waters.
Never try to walk or swim through swift water. If you come upon floodwaters, turn around and go another way.
Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. It is very easy to be swept away by fast-moving water.
Heed flood warnings
A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued in your area, be sure to fill your car's gas tank in case of an evacuation notice. Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
For more severe weather preparedness tips, visit www.redcrossillinois.org