Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Offers Safety Tips for Flood Safety

With flash flood warnings in effect throughout the region, the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management asks drivers to keep the following flood facts and tips in mind:

·        Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

·        A foot of water will float many vehicles.

·        Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

·        Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

·        Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.

·        Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes.

·        Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

·        Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

“When in doubt about a roadway, err on the side of caution,” said Michael Masters, executive director of Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Your life is much more important than your property. Don’t try to save your vehicle or any other possessions at the expense of your safety.”

For more information, media may contact Natalia Derevyanny at natalia.derevyanny@cookcountyil.gov or 312.603.8286.

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The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management integrates first responders, their departments and resources from 134 Cook County municipalities, and serves as the central agency in Cook County for coordinating efforts to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from all incidents, whether man-made or natural. For more information, visit our website at www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org.