Ward 5 CM McDuffie: Flash flood safety tips

From: "McDuffie, Kenyan (Council)"
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2013 11:25 AM
Subject: Flash Flood Safety Tips

Hello Ward 5 Residents,

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area until later this evening. Forecasters are predicting a combination of high winds, heavy rains and severe thunderstorms, which could potentially lead to flooding.

Residents should move their vehicles from low-lying flood prone areas, and prepare their homes and basements for the possibility of flooding. Also, remember to check on elderly and at-risk friends and family to make sure they have access to plenty of water, a telephone and food.

Residents should utilize the following numbers:

·         For immediate medical emergencies call 911.

·         None emergency issues, residents should first call 311.

·         To report power outages, residents should call Pepco's 24-hour outage report line at 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662). If you cannot use your home phone, follow the phone prompts and make sure Pepco has a working phone number where you can be reached about service restoration.

·         Residents can contact the Office of the People’s Counsel to obtain information or assistance at   (202) 727-3071.

Here are some additional safety tips:

·         Assemble an emergency "storm kit." Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.

·         Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.

·         Have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and will not work if there is an outage.

·         Stay away from downed wires.

·         Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.

·         Follow the advice of local emergency management officials.

·         Evacuate if told to do so.

·         Move to a small room, closet or hallway. Go to the first or second floor if you're in a multi-story building.

·         DO NOT walk or drive through moving water and find shelter immediately.