ReadyMontco: Flood & Extreme Weather

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Flood & Extreme Weather

Floods

Flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster and Pennsylvania has the highest flooding rate of any state in the US. It is important to know that not all floods are alike. Some can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. Be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.

Floods can happen anywhere, at any time, and they can happen fast. To ensure you aren’t caught unprepared, here are some actions you can take:

  • Prepare a disaster kit: A disaster kit should have essential supplies needed to sustain yourself and your family during and after a disaster. The most essential supplies for a kit are water, non-perishable food, a radio, a first aid kit, extra batteries, and unique family needs such as prescription medications and important family documents.
  • Make an emergency plan: Essential components should include a communication plan, an out-of-town contact, an evacuation plan, a shelter-in-place plan, and knowledge of emergency plans at work, school, and other areas of your community. Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers with you at all times.
  • Document property for insurance: Take photos of your most valuable possessions to facilitate any insurance claims you make. Save and store receipts for any expensive household items so you have proof of original cost. Make an itemized list of other possessions including books, small kitchen appliances and clothing. The more comprehensive the list, the better. These documents will help you file a complete insurance claim.

In the event of flooding, there are a few steps you should take to make sure you and your family stay safe:

  • Do not walk through a flooded area. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down.
  • Do not drive through a flooded area. Two feet of water can lift and move a car, even an SUV. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else during a flood.
  • Keep away from downed power lines and other electrical wires. Electrocution is often a major cause of death in floods.
  • Be careful of animals that have lost their homes during a flood. Animals may seek shelter in your home and aggressively defend themselves.
  • If you need to evacuate, grab your Go Bag and leave right away.

Learn more about what to expect during a flood on these websites:

Montgomery County Department of Public Safety http://www.montcopa.org/eoc/

CDC http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/

American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_240_,00.html

Ready.gov http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/floods.html

 

Extreme Heat

During the summer months, people are especially vulnerable to the hazards created by hot weather. Heat waves are particularly dangerous for children and people with special needs. Remember to check on your neighbors and offer them assistance.

The terms listed below describe the illnesses that extreme heat can cause.  Heat-related illnesses can become medical emergencies – call 9-1-1, especially in the case of heat stroke.

 

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe heat-related illness, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble coping with heat and should be treated immediately with rest and fluids.  Stretching or direct pressure can also reduce cramps.  Unless very severe, heat cramps do not require emergency medical attention.

 

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating due to vigorous exercise or working in a hot, humid place. Symptoms include: sweating; pale, clammy skin; fatigue; headache; dizziness; shallow breaths; and a weak or rapid pulse. Victims of heat exhaustion are tired but not confused. The condition should be treated with rest in a cool area, drinking water or electrolyte solutions, elevating the feet 12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases.  If not treated, the victim’s condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention.

 

Heat Stroke

Also called “sunstroke.”  The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. The skin is flushed, hot and dry, and body temperature may be elevated. The victim may also be confused, develop seizures, breathe shallowly and have a weak or rapid pulse. This is the most serious heat-related illness and people exhibiting these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention.

 

Tips to help cope with extreme heat visit the Health Department’s website: http://health.montcopa.org

 

Extreme Cold

Dangerous winter weather includes winter storms and blizzards. These storms can bring heavy snow, icy roads and sidewalks, and dangerous wind chills. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time.

 

Winter Storms Can Be Deadly

  • Extreme cold can cause hypothermia (an extreme lowering of the body’s temperature) and death.
  • Fireplaces, emergency heaters, and candles can cause household fires.
  • fumes, such as carbon monoxide, from heaters can cause asphyxiation (unconsciousness or death from a lack of oxygen).
  • Hazardous road conditions can cause car accidents.

Prepare for a winter storm before it hits. This is the best way to keep your family and yourself safe. Plan now: prepare your house and car; stock up on emergency supplies.

 

Tips to help cope with extreme cold visit the Health Department’s website: http://health.montcopa.org