Hennepin County safety tips for residents and park visitors during flash floods

Posted on 19 June, 2014

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States, however not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, while others such as flash floods, can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain.

Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

Reminders to stay safe in high waters

  • When rivers, lakes, ponds and streams overflow their banks, those floodwaters can be deadly.
  • While the Mississippi River and Minnehaha Falls may look majestic while the water levels are higher than normal, please exercise caution and keep your distance. Please stay on marked paths and in designated viewing areas.
  • Nationwide, more deaths are caused by flooding each year than by any other severe weather-related hazard.

In a car

  • Do not try to drive through a flooded roadway. As little as 2 feet of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks. Do not attempt to drive through water that comes close to halfway up your wheels, turn back.
  • Rather, reverse carefully out of the water. Keep in mind that 80 percent of flood deaths occur when people try to drive through and become submerged. In addition, flooding can erode roadways. Even placid water can mask washed away asphalt.
  • Report all flooded roadways.
  • Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.

On foot

  • Do not walk in or play in flooded streets. It only takes about 6 inches to knock an adult off his or her feet, and less for a child.
  • If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Mucky water also can obscure sharp or other dangerous objects or sinkholes that could cause injury.

Flood water is not clean water

  • Flood water often contains sewage and other pollutants that can cause illness. Flooded buildings also can quickly become unhealthy places, due to contamination and mold and mildew, which can grow very rapidly.
  • Be safe. Stay out of flooded areas.
  • For more information about the health dangers of flood waters, as well as information about cleanup, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Health.

Contact

Robin Smothers
Communications and Marketing
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
612-230-6410
rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org