TimothyWilliams

Drenchingrainswereinundating North Carolina on Friday as Hurricane Florence crawled inland. Storm surges, overflflowing waterways and intense rain that might dump as much as 40 inches could leave entire communities underwater. “Catastrophic flflash flflooding is expected to continue to worsen today,” the National Weather Service warned.

Here are fifififififiveways to avoid the risks associated with floodwaters, according to theFederalEmergencyManagementAgencyandtheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention:

1. Don’t drive.

Motorists should avoid floodwaters. The general rule is if water flflows more than halfway up a vehicle’s tires, you shouldn’t go any farther. Never drive through fast-moving water because a vehiclecouldbecarriedaway withinmoments. Floodwater can rise suddenly and unpredictably.

“Don’t driveyour carwhile water covers the road,” Ken Graham, director of the National Hurricane Center, said Friday. “We have a saying, ‘Turn around, don’t drown.’ It really is true.”

2. Watch out for hidden objects.

Even shallow water may contain downed electrical wires or sharp objects that could cause serious injury. Wildlife such as snakes, alligators anddangerous insects can also hide in flfloods.

3. Limit exposure to water.

Assume flfloodwaters contain bacteria that can seriously sicken people and animals, particularly if sewers have overfifilled. Water may havemixedwithagricultural chemicals, oil, animalwaste, sewage or other hazardous substances.

Exposure to openwounds ordrinkingflfloodwater could lead to infections or diarrhea. If you have to go into thewater, wear waterproof waders and your cover skin. Wash hands and other body parts that have come into contact with flfloodwater.

4. Only turn on power from a dry place.

Water may have damagedwiring and pipes from stoves, ovens, air-conditioners and other appliances andelectronic devices. Only switch on power if you can do so from a dry spot. But if you smell gas, shut off the gas valve and open all windows before leaving the house, and inform the gas company oremergency services. If you smell gas, do not turn on the lights or do anything else that might cause a spark.

5. Protect against mold.

After a flood, residents should dry out their homes and thoroughlywash flfloors, walls, toys andclothing after thewaters recede. Insulation should be replaced. Openall doors, including closets, to allowair flflow. Open kitchen cabinets. Remove drawers andwipe themclean. Wipe everything clean and allow it to dry.