Water safety

Be aware of the following emergency warning signs when you’re in or around water:

• Intensified sound of rushing water.
• Increased water speed or depth.
• Increased amounts of debris in the water.
• Changed appearance of water from clear to muddy.
• Unusually colder water temperatures.

When you’re in the water during an emergency, take the following actions:

• Drop any items that might weigh you down.
• Stay calm and lie on your back.
• Keep your feet up and pointed downstream to avoid hitting rocks and getting tangled.
• Go with the current and move diagonally across it until you reach shore.
• Roll onto dry land to drain your boots or waders.

When you’re near the water during an emergency, take the following actions:

• Move to higher ground.
• Access the National Weather Service Emergency Alert System on a weather radio.
• Do not walk through moving water.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Make an evacuation plan for your family in advance and follow it.