Helpful tips

Advice for people facing flooding, from the Chicago Tribune:

•Do not allow children (or anyone) to play in flooded areas. Drowning is the No. 1 cause of flood deaths. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
•Do not drive through a flooded area.
•Before entering a flooded area of a home, turn off the electricity. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
•If the electricity is out, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns. Do not use candles, gas lanterns or torches because gas lines may be broken and an explosion could occur.
•Wear boots and rubber gloves to reduce contact with contaminated water.
•With the electricity off, a fully stocked freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours if the door remains closed. Food in the refrigerator will stay cool for four to six hours depending on how warm the kitchen is.

The Girl Scout Motto, when I was one, was "Be prepared." Good advice, so read the whole thing.