Respond safely in flood emergencies
Heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. A few simple steps can keep your family safe if your basement floods:
- Safety first. Don't step in floodwater. Before you go into your basement, ask WPS or your local fire department to turn off your electricity and natural gas.
- Dry up. Drain the area using a gasoline-powered water pump located outside your home, or an electric pump connected to an outside line.
- Use your nose. If you smell natural gas, leave immediately. Don't operate gas or electric appliances. Call the WPS 24-hour gas emergency number at 800-450-7280 from your mobile phone or a neighbor's home.
- Check it out. Hire a qualified contractor to inspect your gas or electric appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters and dryers. WPS can restore your service when they've been inspected and are safe for you to use.
Follow these safety rules:
- Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or your favorite news source for vital weather-related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown.
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and rivers, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
