Tips for Driving Safely As the Dallas Area Sees Major Flooding
Flooding and the subsequent cleanup can pose serious risks, leading to accidents that may result in significant injuries or even fatalities. It’s important to be aware of the typical hazards involved and to understand how to stay safe while dealing with the aftermath.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Navigating a car during or after a storm can pose serious risks, particularly when it comes to driving over flooded streets. Statistics show that around fifty percent of deaths related to flooding involve individuals in vehicles. Attempting to drive through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous; just a foot of water can sweep away a small car, while 18 to 24 inches can easily displace larger vehicles. It’s always wiser to turn back instead of putting your life in jeopardy by attempting to drive through a flooded road. If the water starts to rise around your car, be prepared to leave it behind.
Be Aware of Dangers
Downed Power Lines. Power lines that are down or damaged pose serious electrical risks, and only trained professionals should handle repairs after thoroughly assessing the situation and de-energizing the lines when feasible. Even for those who are qualified, fixing power lines that have been affected by a storm can be quite perilous. The most frequent accidents associated with these damaged lines include electrocution from direct contact or burns from live wires, as well as injuries from workers falling while trying to make repairs or individuals being hit by a collapsing pole or debris, like tree branches, that may fall along with it.
Clearing Trees and Debris. Avoiding downed trees in the roadway is the most common hazard, however dealing with trees and debris can cause other problems as well. Cleaning up fallen trees and clearing away debris can be risky, especially because it involves using dangerous tools like chainsaws. It’s really important to handle these saws and wear protective gear carefully to stay safe while working. Good posture and the right lifting methods are crucial when you’re handling heavy items, like bags of sand for flood preparation or debris during cleanup.
Uncommon Hazards You May Encounter. Floods can attract snakes, rodents, and insects to the area. It’s important to protect yourself by wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks, and don’t forget to apply insect repellent. Make sure to dispose of any dead animals quickly, and always wear gloves while doing so. Be cautious of snakes when you’re clearing away debris, particularly when dealing with fallen trees or branches. Chemicals from underground tanks can also seep into floodwaters. It’s important to maintain good personal hygiene and to dispose of any food that has come into contact with the floodwater.
Keep An Eye Out for Road Workers
After a flood, workers often take part in different activities to respond to and recover from the disaster. There are some basic guidelines that can help those who are assessing and cleaning up the damage at their workplace. It’s important to note, though, that certain tasks, like restoring utilities, cleaning up hazardous spills, and conducting search and rescue operations, should only be carried out by trained professionals who have the right tools and experience for the job.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT DUE TO FLOODING, CONTACT US TODAY.
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