Floodwater Facts:
- Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Attempting to walk through moving water can knock you off your feet as well.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
- Floodwater poses a drowning risk. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flooded waters. Avoid areas that are already flooded. Seek higher ground. Even if the water appears shallow, it is difficult to know the condition of the road beneath it, which may be broken up or washed away. If the road is flooded, find another route.
- It could save your life.
- Never ignore signs and barriers that warn of flooded and dangerous roads.
- If floodwaters start rising around your car, abandon the car and get to higher ground.
- Be especially careful when driving at night as flooding is more difficult to recognize.
- Floodwater may be carrying debris that could injure you.
- Keep children away from floodwater. Prevent them from playing near or in drainage outlets and storm water retention basins.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Stay away from power lines that are down.
Safety Tips for Filling, Moving and Placing Sandbags
Sandbagging is extremely hard work and requires heavy lifting. First and foremost, your safety is the most important thing. Do not be involved in the filling or handling of sandbags if you have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by this work. If you are not feeling well, seek medical attention immediately.
Wear proper clothing and personal protective equipment. Depending on the conditions and your task, you may need to wear safety glasses, closed toe and heel shoes, work gloves, and proper head gear, plus reflective gear if working at night.
Always stretch before lifting and use proper lifting techniques. Keep the lift between knee and waist height. Do not reach out, bend over, or twist when lifting. Lift with your legs, not your back. Be aware of your physical condition and limitations.
Filling sandbags is a two-person task. One person should hold the sandbag and while the other shovels and releases sand into the bag. Sandbags should be filled one-half to two-thirds full.
- When holding the bag, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and put one foot forward in a power stance, with knees slightly bent.
- When shoveling, keep your feet wide apart with the front foot close to shovel. Bend your knees —not your back — to scoop the sand. Keep the shovel close to your body. Do not twist your body, instead turn your feet when putting sand into the bag.
When moving and placing sandbags, carry the bag in front of you at waist height and close to your body. When passing, do not throw the bags.
Be aware of your surroundings. There will be multiple tasks going on once. Watch for heavy equipment. Check the ground conditions. Watch for other people.
Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. There may be bacteria in the sand, floodwater, and other materials. Always wash your hands before eating and drinking.
Take frequent breaks and rotate positions. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Here are some helpful resources:
Check back next week to read about what to do after a flood.
Submitted by: LMCIT Loss Control
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