In a release issued Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said the top priority for FEMA and its federal partners is to support the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and local communities to protect the life and safety of those in hurricane-impacted areas.
The following are important safety tips if you are in an area that has been affected by Hurricane Irma and/or Hurricane Maria:
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions. Do not return to evacuated areas until local officials indicate it is safe.
- When it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors who may require assistance such as infants, children, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
- Monitor local radio for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of local officials.
- Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way as much as possible.
- If you encounter floodwaters, remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
- Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- For more information on what to do before, during and after floods, visit:
- English: https://www.ready.gov/floods
- Spanish: https://www.ready.gov/es/inundaciones
- Creole: https://www.ready.gov/ht
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following:
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