Here is what you want to do when flooding threatens

People use boats to navigate a flooded street in Houston during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. (KPRC)

KPRC 2 Hurricane Headquarters is here to help Houstonians power through the storms by providing our audience with everything they need to know.

Here’s what to do when flooding threatens:

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  • If flash flooding is a risk in your location, monitor potential signs such as heavy rain.
  • Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you have identified.
  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
  • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown.® Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
  • If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Signal for help.

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