Raritan-Millstone Flood Control Commission's Flood Safety Awareness Week
March 12 -16 is National Flood Safety Awareness Week.This is a time for individuals, families, businesses and communities to understand their risk for flooding and take precautions to protect their families and properties in the event of flooding. Montgomery Township Police would like to pass along information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths in the U.S., and this is especially tragic since many are preventable. Of the nearly 100 flood-related fatalities each year, most occur as people attempt to drive on flooded roads. In many cases, the water is either too deep or moving too fast for drivers to maintain control of their vehicle, and in extreme cases the roadway may be washed away entirely.
If confronted with a water-covered road follow National Weather Service advice: Turn Around, Don't Drown."
Recommendations include developing a family emergency plan, having an emergency supply kit and protecting your home or business from flooding by obtaining a flood insurance policy.
NOAA's National Weather Service produces an array of flood outlooks and forecasts, including watches and life-saving warnings. NOAA will issue the 2012 U.S. Spring Outlook and flood assessment on March 15. FEMA and NOAA will provide the public with key information related to flood hazards, and ways to protect yourself and your property each day of National Flood Safety Awareness week. Read https://blog.fema.gov/ throughout the week to stay informed and to get involved.
To access tools necessary before, during, and after a flood, go to FEMA's Flood Awareness webpage. For more information on flood safety tips and information, visitwww.ready.gov. For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
