Brookhaven Retreat Releases Flood Safety Tips for National Safety Month in June
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) June 09, 2015 -- Brookhaven Retreat® LLC, a unique residential treatment facility exclusively for women with emotional and mental health challenges, and/or substance abuse issues releases flood safety tips for National Safety Month in June.
National Safety Month is organized to raise awareness of what it takes to stay safe with a focus on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in communities. This year’s theme is ‘What I live for’ with topics including transportation safety, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, prescription painkiller abuse and slips, trips, and falls. In response to the massive, historic flooding affecting both Texas and Oklahoma, Brookhaven Retreat recognizes emergency preparedness for National Safety Month by releasing an informational bulletin highlighting 8 critical flood safety tips for Brookhaven Retreat clients, staff, and visitors.
According to the National Safety Council, inland flooding is the leading weather related cause of death. Nearly half of those deaths are vehicle related. The greatest danger during a flood comes from the perceived lack of threat posed by standing water. While standing water may appear calm on the surface, it may be flowing fairly quickly beneath. In addition, if an area is covered with water, it becomes difficult to judge the true depth of the water or the condition of the ground beneath. Flash floods can occur suddenly during heavy rainfall events with little warning depending on the intensity and duration of the rainfall, topography of an area, and the condition of the soil and ground cover. With those facts in mind, below are 8 flood safety tips for drivers.
1. Make sure your electronic communication devices are fully charged in case of emergency.
2. Listen to NOAA weather radio broadcasts for current and forecasted weather in your area. If you have a smart phone, the NOAA weather radio app is available as a free download.
3. Seek higher ground. If a flashflood warning is issued, leave low-lying area and move to higher, less flood-prone areas.
4. Think before your cross. Remember that water can damage the roadbeds and sidewalks. That damage may be hidden under water.
5. Get out! If your vehicle stalls, get out immediately and seek higher ground.
6. Avoid flowing water. When walking, 6” of water can easily sweep an adult off his or her feet and down stream. When driving, two feet of water can carry an SUV sized vehicle away.
7. Not all storm drains have clear exits. Any people or vehicles swept into a storm drain can become trapped under water.
8. Turn around, don’t drown. If you approach a flooded section of road, turn around. It is not worth the risk to attempt crossing floodwaters.
Remember, warmer weather brings with it the chance of significant weather events. In addition to the strong storms that moved through Texas and Oklahoma in May, June brings with it the official opening of hurricane season. As weather patterns change, the risk of being caught in severe weather rises. Increase your chances of surviving a weather emergency by being prepared and heeding weather watches, warnings, and evacuation notices.
About Brookhaven Retreat
Brookhaven Retreat is a women's treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven’s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on “healing emotional breakage” for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.
Jessica Wirth, Brookhaven Retreat, http://www.brookhavenretreat.com, +1 865-357-3600, [email protected]
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