Flood safety tips

Significant flash flooding continues to impact the Hill Country, with Boerne and Kendall County among the hardest-hit areas after several rounds of heavy rainfall since Monday.  Forecasters warn that while rain coverage and intensity are expected to decrease into the evening, the threat of heavy downpours and flash flooding has not ended.  Some safety tips for you and your family include:

~Have a flood safety plan in place.

~Charge your needed devices in case of power loss or potential evacuation.

~If travel is necessary, check DriveTexas.org for road conditions.

~If you are instructed to leave your home, make sure to turn off the power, gas and water, as well as unplug all the appliances before you leave.

~As the saying goes, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  If you see water covering the road, find a different route.  If you do need to cross, move your car to a shoulder or median if possible.  Call 9-1-1 to report the situation.

~Downed power lines could mean potential electricity.  Stay away from water that may have electricity in it.  Don’t enter any room where water is covering electrical outlets, or power cords are submerged.

~Return home only when authorities say it’s safe.

~Contact your family and loved ones to update them on your safety and location.

~When cleaning up after a flood, wear protective equipment.