On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued another flood warning for the regions of Brooklyn and Queens. Moreover, the coastal flood watch will continue from 6 pm on Thursday to 12 am on Friday, for citizens’ safety. The US is vulnerable to floods and thunderstorms, especially during the monsoon season, destroying vast properties every year. Therefore, the disaster management services invest largely in rescue teams every year to protect residents of the affected areas. According to the estimation, areas of Brooklyn and Queens can be drenched in around 1 to 2 feet of water. Therefore, appropriate safety measures and precaution guidelines are also given by the authorities to avoid complex situations.
What Guidelines should be followed if traveling is required?
While the weather conditions are not favorable for traveling, some people have no other choice but to step out. If that is the case, make sure that you depart from your homes with some bonus time with yourself. This is because many roads are closed due to possible weather vulnerabilities and might not be safe. Apart from that, people are also advised not to cross the barricades or water-filled areas, as you might not be able to figure out their depth. Additionally, there might be some flood-prone properties, which will be required to enforce necessary measures for safety.
The non-swimmers are advised to stay out of the sight of water-flooded areas, as it is highly unsafe. However, if you are a swimmer headed for the surf areas, do not forget to carry a flotation device. Also, do not lose track of the lifeguards, as they can prevent any horrific incident from happening. For the swimming enthusiasts, it is unreasonable to go out when their areas are prone to floods. However, if they do and get caught in a rip current, do not move unrealistically, especially in the direction of the current. All you have to do is stay calm and float on the water without any motion. If you are capable enough to swim against the currents, move towards the shoreline and nowhere else. At last, if you are stuck and unable to move, keep your face towards the shore and scream for help.
Also read: Baltimore Harbor Cargo Ship Explosion
Weather updates from Flood Warning to Coastal Flood Watch
- Flash Flood Warning
Whenever the weather department issues a flash flood warning, it means the flood is developing. There is not much time to think about it; you have to move to a higher level for your safety. It is not necessary that flash floods won’t occur in areas that haven’t received an ounce of rainfall that day.
- Flood Warning
This warning is issued when a flood is occurring and may strike the city or vulnerable areas at any moment.
- Flood Advisory
A Flood Advisory is issued when not all areas are under the threat of flooding, but it doesn’t require a warning. Moreover, it does not take away the fact that some regions are affected by flooding and require adequate safety measures.
- Flood Watch
A flood watch is issued when there is no confirmation whether a flood will occur or not. Moreover, the weather forecast is never accurate, but it takes necessary precautions when there is a chance of flooding.
What to do if a flood occurs in regions of Brooklyn and Queens?
If you are among the risk-takers, be aware of the weather conditions around you to avoid inconvenience. Moreover, in low-lying areas at camps, the risk of being caught within the waves during such warnings is always there. In such cases, always follow the guidelines for flood safety mentioned below:
- Move to higher ground to prevent being carried away by the flood’s high-speed waves.
- If your area is given evacuation orders, follow them blindly, as they are not given until the situation is severe. However, do not forget to lock your houses to preserve your items.
- If you get time, do switch off all electrical appliances, as water conducts electricity. Therefore, if flooding occurs, it might even spark a fire in them due to heavy conduction.
- Additionally, don’t use basements or areas that are submerged in water for your own safety.
- Never try to test your luck with floodwater, as it may seem harmless, but it can easily carry you with its speed.
Also read: Hatteras Island Evacuation Ordered as Hurricane Erin Nears
Conclusion
While all the above guidelines will save you from most cases, if you still find yourself in the middle of floodwater, dial 911. Moreover, flooding is common when heavy rains cover the city for a prolonged period. If you want to escape or run to the nearest roof, never use your car to drive in 6 feet of deep water. This is because four-wheelers are not reliable in water due to technical issues and the force of water. If you are stuck between the water, climb the highest point possible and call 911 to save yourself from the inevitable.
