MADISON – As numerous parts of Wisconsin have been hit recently by historic rainfall, the Wisconsin Safety Council (WSC) is reminding residents to be prepared and to stay safe.

Flash floods can occur very quickly and cause large amounts of damage. This can include moving vehicles, uprooting trees and destroying roadways. WSC reminds everyone to be conscious of your surroundings when flooding is occurring and to avoid areas that are submersed in water.

With additional rain expected, here are tips to stay safe during a flood:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters
  • You can be swept off your feet in as little as six inches of water
  • Just six inches of water can stall your vehicle, and just one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away
  • Even trucks and SUVs can stall or become trapped in flooded areas
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside; if water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof
  • Never drive around barricades; if a road is closed find a different route
• Avoid underpasses, underground parking and basements
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately

More safety tips are available from the National Safety Council and Ready.gov.

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For more information, please contact:
Nick Novak, 608.258.3400