You’ve probably heard about the possibility of flooding in our area if the Wolf Creek Dam in south central Kentucky fails. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers and local government agencies are holding meetings to educate citizens about the situation, and representatives from Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation are attending these meetings so we may be fully informed about the risks.  

We encourage everyone to assess their individual risk level and be prepared to act quickly in the event flooding happens. 

In the meantime, please familiarize yourself with these tips prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

   Before a flood: 

• Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station and follow emergency instructions.
• If the water starts to rise inside your home before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic, and if necessary, the roof. Take dry clothing, a flashlight and a portable radio with you. Then, wait for help. Do NOT try to swim to safety; wait for rescuers to come to you.

If time permits, here are other steps that you can take before the flood waters come: 

·        Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.

·        Move valuables, such as papers, furs, jewelry and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations.

·        Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse, then fill with clean water.

·        Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely. 

Once the flood arrives: 

·        Do not drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.

·        Do not walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

·        Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.

·        Look out for animals – especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours. 

After the flood: 

·        If your home, apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim.

·        Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Don’t go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing.

·        Upon entering the building, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.

·        Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.

·        Flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded, protect your family’s health by cleaning up your house right away. Throw out foods and medicines that may have come into contact with flood water.

·        Until local authorities proclaim your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes before using. 

One of the most important things that you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance is guaranteed through the National Flood Insurance Program, administered by FEMA. Your homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. 

Don’t wait until a flood is coming to purchase your policy. It normally takes 30 days after purchase for a flood insurance policy to go into effect.