If a flood occurs in your community, will you be ready?
As part of National Preparedness Month, the Postal Service is encouraging employees to prepare for emergencies of all kinds, including flooding.
Floods occur in every state and territory and accounted for 38 percent of all U.S. natural disasters in 2016, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Flash floods are particularly dangerous because they combine the destructive power of floodwater with speed and unpredictability.
Overall, floods kill more people in the United States each year than tornadoes, hurricanes or lightning.
To stay safe, experts offer these tips:
- Learn whether you live, work or travel through areas that are prone to flooding.
- Sign up for emergency text alerts to receive timely information about weather conditions.
- Know your community’s local flood evacuation plan and identify escape routes if roads are blocked.
- Never go through flood waters.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov site has additional safety information.
The USPS National Preparedness site has more guidelines and tips on the Postal Service’s readiness for floods.