Flood Safety
There are several issues to be aware of during a flood situation.
Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Water as deep as six inches can knock you off your feet. Currents can be deceptive. If you walk in standing water, be sure to use a pole or stick to ensure that firm ground is ahead.
Do not drive through a flooded area. This includes road barriers. Barriers are there for your protection. If your car stalls, abandon it and head for higher ground on foot. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick up trucks.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer, after drowning, is electrocution. Electrical current travels through water. If you see downed power lines, report them immediately to the Village Police Department by dialing 911.
Have your electricity turned off by Commonwealth Edison. If you have been flooded, you should be aware that some appliances such as televisions hold electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that have been wet unless they have been cleaned and checked by a professional. Commonwealth Edison’s phone number is 800-Edison1 (800-334-7661).
Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Nicor Gas’s emergency phone number is 888 Nicor4U (888-642-6748).
Look out for animals. Small animals or reptiles that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.
Clean and dry everything that was inundated by the floodwaters. Floodwaters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medicine can be health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.
Preparation is very important in any emergency situation. Please be aware of things you can do to alleviate flooding in your area. Plan ahead and feel free to contact the Village of Wheeling Police Department or Community Development Department with any questions you may have. For more safety information, view our
Flood Safety Guide for Before, During and After a Flood Event (PDF).
Flowing Water
Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Water as deep as six inches can knock you off your feet. Currents can be deceptive. If you walk in standing water, be sure to use a pole or stick to ensure that firm ground is ahead.
Driving Through Flooded Area
Do not drive through a flooded area. This includes road barriers. Barriers are there for your protection. If your car stalls, abandon it and head for higher ground on foot. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick up trucks.
Power Lines
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer, after drowning, is electrocution. Electrical current travels through water. If you see downed power lines, report them immediately to the Village Police Department by dialing 911.
Electricity
Have your electricity turned off by Commonwealth Edison. If you have been flooded, you should be aware that some appliances such as televisions hold electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that have been wet unless they have been cleaned and checked by a professional. Commonwealth Edison’s phone number is 800-Edison1 (800-334-7661).
Gas Leaks
Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. Nicor Gas’s emergency phone number is 888 Nicor4U (888-642-6748).
Animals
Look out for animals. Small animals or reptiles that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.
Clean Up
Clean and dry everything that was inundated by the floodwaters. Floodwaters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food, flooded cosmetics, and medicine can be health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is very important in any emergency situation. Please be aware of things you can do to alleviate flooding in your area. Plan ahead and feel free to contact the Village of Wheeling Police Department or Community Development Department with any questions you may have. For more safety information, view our
Flood Safety Guide for Before, During and After a Flood Event (PDF).