Safety and Preparedness

Floods can happen very fast in Sioux Falls, so people need to be prepared in advance and know what to do when a flood occurs. Talk with family members about the situations they might encounter during a flood and what they can do to stay safe. Create a family emergency plan and Be Flood Ready! Take the time to prepare ahead, you'll be glad you did.

 

 

Turn Around, Don't Drown

Don’t drive, walk or bike through floodwaters. Twelve inches of flowing water can float a small car. Streets can quickly become stream channels, especially if inlets get clogged with debris or hail. It is better to be late and safe than floating in your car and needing to be rescued.

 

 

Flood Safety Around Your Home

In Sioux Falls, flooding can happen fast leaving little to no time to evacuate. It is often safer to stay where you are rather than try to leave.

• Move to upper floors of your home. Basements can quickly fill with water and become unsafe. 
• Turn off electricity at the main power switch and shut off water and gas before flood waters start to rise.
• Be careful where you walk – The ground could be eroded away or there could be sharp objects or other hazardous debris that floated onto your property.

For slower flooding events evacuation may be your best option, here some additional things to consider to be prepared for an evacuation:

• Don't panic.
• Plan where you will go and know multiple routes out of your neighborhood so that flooded roads, traffic jams, or other obstacles are less likely to significantly impact your evacuation.
• Prepare a small bag with essentials.
• Tune in to local media for flood watches and warnings.
• Heed warnings from officials and evacuate when orders are given.
• Have battery-operated flashlights, radios and televisions in working condition.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• One foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-up trucks.

For more ideas check out Reduce Flood Risk to learn more about what you can do to be better prepared!

The American Red Cross offers helpful flood safety tips and checklists.

Respect the Power of Water

With the wonderful parks system in the City of Sioux Falls following the Big Sioux River around city there are plenty of opportunities to interact with the water, especially during a flood. It is important to respect the power of water – Play It Safe.

• Make sure to wear a life vest when planning to be in the water.
• Know the flow and weather conditions.
• Plan where you are going and especially where your take-out location is located.
• Don't take unnecessary risks like climbing rocks at Falls Park, these rocks at slippery when wet and during flood events the power of the Falls is significant. In the past numerous people have lost their lives during flood events going onto to rocks and into the water, including people who were trying to rescue people in the water. 
• In addition to yourself, watch over kids in your area who may be more likely to make poor decision around water. 

After a Flood

• Use caution when returning home. Review the returning home checklist.
• Stay tuned to local news for updates on flooded areas, road closures and re-entry points.
• Follow re-entry orders.
• Avoid flooded areas and standing water.
  • Water may be contaminated or electrically charged. If you see downed power lines, report them to the power company.
  • Floodwaters can contain raw sewage, bacteria, viruses and other germs that can cause disease.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • Take extra care in the prevention of mosquitoes breeding in standing water and remember the 3 Ds:  
    • Drain water when possible.
    • Dress in light colors and cover all parts of the body.
    • Defend with DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Watch for critters such as snakes, raccoons, possums and insects that may have “moved” into your evacuated home, since they too look for shelter and relief from floodwaters .
• Listen to news reports to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink.
• Deal with damage in your home:
  • Document the damage. Photograph and list all damaged or lost items, including their age and value where possible. Take photos of water in the house. Adjusters need evidence of the damage to prepare your estimate.
  • File your flood insurance claim now. View the National Flood Insurance Program’s Claims Handbook.
    • Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits contract as a condition of having your home repaired. 
  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24-48 hours.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. View more information about flood cleanup and indoor air quality from the Environmental Protection Agency.