Red Cross: Prepare as Heavy Rain Could Soak Cartersville

As the possibility of heavy and persistent rains increases for a large portion of Georgia, the Red Cross is urging everyone to monitor weather conditions and be prepared to take evasive action immediately. 

Between a tenth and quarter of an inch, and higher amounts in thunderstorms, could fall on Cartersville tonight and the wet stuff is expected to stick around through the weekend, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms Friday, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

“Flooding in Georgia has become a major issue over the past few weeks and a stalled cold front coupled with an approaching tropical system could make matters worse from now through early next week,” American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia Executive Director Jeffrey Putnam said in a release.  “We urge everyone to review their disaster plans now to ensure the safety of lives and property."

Flood Tips

With many parts of  Georgia already saturated from weeks of rain, the American Red Cross recommends the following safety tips before, during and after a flood:

Know What to Expect

• Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
• Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
• Download the Red Cross Hurricane App (from your mobile phone call “**REDCROSS” (**73327677) and we will send you a link to download the hurricane tracking app to your iPhone or Android device or you can download from the iTunes or Google Play app stores).  
• Reduce potential flood damage by raising your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.

A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. When a Flood WATCH is issued:

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. When a Flood WARNING is issued:

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.

Preparation Before a Flood (or Any Disaster) is KEY

• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter. 

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Safety After a Flood

• Contaminated floodwaters lead to a greater possibility of infection.  Severe injuries that have come into contact with floodwaters will require medical attention.
• Avoid disaster areas.
• Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.  Some canned foods may be salvageable.  If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away.  Food contaminated by floodwaters can cause severe infections.
• If water is of questionable purity, boil or add bleach, and distill drinking water before using.  Wells inundated by floodwaters should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.  If in doubt, call your local public health authority.  Ill health effects often occur when people drink water contaminated with bacteria and germs.
• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.  If the water is pumped completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.

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