Summit County Executive James B. McCarthy Promotes Flood Safety

Summit County Executive James B. McCarthy’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will be promoting flood safety throughout the month of June.

“The campaign is designed to create a greater awareness of the flooding hazards that exist in Summit County,” said Summit County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Annette Petranic. “In an effort to educate the community on this topic, flood safety fact sheets are currently being forwarded to public officials, local law enforcement and safety agencies, insurance companies, Etc.”

To educate citizens, the Summit County Emergency Management Agency offers the following tips on how to protect yourself and your property from flooding:

• If you live in a low-lying area or near a creek, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rains. Water rises rapidly during flash floods, often taking victims by surprise. Be prepared to move quickly to high ground if water levels begin rising rapidly.
• The best source for up-to-date weather information is from a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio. This device automatically sounds when the National Weather Service issues a weather watch or warning.
• Everyone lives in a flood zone. You don’t need to live near water to be flooded. Floods are caused by storms, melting snow and heavy rains overloading drainage systems.
• Homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damages. Protect your home through the Federal Emergency Management Agencies National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Six inches of rapidly moving floodwater can knock a person down. A mere two feet of water can float a large vehicle, even a bus.

For more information on flooding and/or related hazards click on, http://www.co.summit.oh.us/executive/ema.htm,  or contact the Summit County Emergency Management Agency by calling 330-643-2558.