Stay Safe, Harahan: Flood Safety Tips You Need to Know
- Website Manager
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Living in Louisiana, we know that storms and flooding can come quickly and without much warning. Whether it’s hurricane season or a surprise heavy downpour, being prepared can make all the difference. Here are essential flood safety tips from FEMA, tailored for our Harahan community, to help you stay safe before, during, and after a flood.
🚫 Turn Around, Don’t Drown
If local officials are warning about possible flooding, the best thing to do is stay off the roads. But if you absolutely must travel:
Never drive through floodwaters. Even a few inches of moving water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle—and it’s often deeper than it looks.
Avoid closed roads and barricades. These are put in place for your safety. Floodwaters may hide debris, sinkholes, or even downed power lines.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Strong currents can wash bridges away without warning.
If your car is swept away, stay inside. If water begins to rise in your vehicle, climb onto the roof and signal for help.
🏠 Staying Safe at Home
If officials issue an evacuation order, do not delay—leave immediately. But if you’re sheltering in place:
Move to the highest level of your home.
Only go to the roof if absolutely necessary, and then signal for help.
Do not climb into a closed attic, as you may become trapped by rising water.
💧 Water Safety
Floodwaters are dangerous and often contaminated:
Do not drink, cook, or clean with floodwater. It may contain harmful bacteria or chemicals.
Follow local advisories for boil water notices and updates on safe water sources.
If food or bottled water has come into contact with floodwater, throw it out. When in doubt, toss it out.
❄️ Keep Warm if Temperatures Drop
After a storm, temperatures can fall—especially if power is out:
Stay indoors and layer up with warm clothing.
Visit disasterassistance.gov to find a nearby emergency shelter.
If using a generator, keep it at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
📞 Call Your Insurance Company
Flood recovery often begins with your insurance:
Contact your agent or flood insurance provider as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Take photos of your home and belongings before cleanup.
Keep all receipts for repairs, temporary lodging, and clean-up costs—many may be reimbursable.
If you're insured but not in a federally declared disaster area, you can still file a claim with the National Flood Insurance Program.
🧼 Cleaning Up Safely
Cleaning up after a flood is dangerous without the right precautions:
Always wear protective gear: gloves, boots, goggles, and an N95 mask.
Discard anything that can’t be properly cleaned, including mattresses, stuffed toys, and soaked furniture.
Wash any work clothes in hot water and detergent before reusing them.
Save samples of damaged materials like carpet or wallpaper for insurance documentation.
Visit the CDC’s flood cleanup page for detailed guidance.
💎 Save What Matters Most
Floods don’t just damage structures—they threaten your cherished family items:
If you have water-damaged heirlooms, photos, or keepsakes, don’t give up hope. Visit Save Your Family Treasures | FEMA.gov for expert advice on how to salvage and preserve what matters most.
📚 Helpful Resources
Stay informed and ready with these official resources:
Harahan, let’s look out for one another. Share these tips with neighbors, friends, and family so our whole community stays safe and prepared. Flooding can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, we can recover—stronger and safer than before.
Stay safe,The City of Harahan