Cook County Offers Tips for Flood Safety

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Cook and surrounding counties. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will cause many vehicles to float.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pick-ups.
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road as 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. They are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
• Do not take shortcuts. 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.