* TURN AROUND! DON'T DROWN!:
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other storm related hazard. Why? The main reason is people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn the road is flooded.

Most recently in September 2009, the Atlanta metropolitan area suffered severe flash flooding. Of the 10 deaths reported, 9 were a result of individuals driving into flooded roadways.

Whether driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don't Drown. You will not know the depth of the water nor will you know the condition of the road under the water.

In 2001, during Tropical Storm Allison, a vehicle drove into floodwaters at the intersection of Dewey Street and Virginia Street, near Degraff Hall. The vehicle floated and was swept into a nearby drain. A female passenger managed to escape and was rescued downstream near the Leach Center. However, the driver died and his body was recovered miles downstream. Enhancements have been made to prevent a vehicle or person from being swept into the drain, but flooding in this area is likely to occur again some day.

* FLOOD ZONES ON CAMPUS:
Florida State University has a number of areas on campus that are historically prone to flooding. Numerous drainage improvement projects have been made over recent years. Tropical Storm Fay 2008 and Spring Storms of 2009 have put these new systems to the test with promising results. However, regional storm water managers caution that the improvement projects are designed to accomodate new growth throughout the city. Eventually, we will build ourselves back into a situation where we are using the maximum capacity of the improved system. One day, under the right conditions, we are likely to once again exceed it. These new systems are not guaranteed to completely prevent flooding on campus. As such, individuals are recommended to avoid these areas as flash flooding can occur rapily and without warning or ample time to react.

Also, keep in mind that temporary conditions, such as clogged storm drains or erosion from nearby construction sites, may cause localized flooding that is unpredictable and not indicated on any map.

Parking in any campus lot is always at the owner's own risk.  Florida State University is not liable for any damages to vehicles.

UNIVERSITY CENTER - DOAK CAMPBELL STADIUM:

FSU CIRCUS - LEACH CENTER:

DEGRAFF HALL - VIRGINIA STREET:

ALUMNI VILLAGE:

* FLOOD ZONES OFF CAMPUS:
Many areas in Tallahassee, Leon County, and neighboring counties are flood zones. To check your Leon County residence for flood threats, visit: Tallahassee-Leon County GIS. Click I-Maps Base Map.

* FLOOD PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE:

Moving Flood Water
During flooding, the greatest threat comes from moving water.  The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat.  People should avoid driving in moving water, regardless of the size of their vehicle. 

Pooling Flood Water
Heavy rain causes flood waters to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods.  In these situations, be aware of the following:

• Road surfaces become obscured, and drivers can unknowingly steer into a deep body of water, such as a canal or pond.

• Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be conducted through standing water, causing a deadly shock to anyone coming in contact with it.

• Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects.

• People coming into contact with floodwater should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and clean water.

Contaminated Water Supply
Drinking contaminated water may cause illness.  You cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink.  Listen to local announcements on safety of the water supply.

If your public water system lost pressure, a boil water notice will likely be issued for your area. 

People in these areas should take precautions to avoid contaminated water, especially individuals with private wells.  If your well is in a flooded area, your water may contain disease-causing organisms and may not be safe to drink.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends one of the following:

• Boil the water before drinking, holding it at a rolling boil for one minute.

• Disinfect it by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water and then let it stand for 30 minutes.  If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure.

• Use only bottled water for mixing baby formula.

After the flooding subsides:

• Disinfect your well using the procedures available from your local health department or provided on the DOH website at: www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/manual/floodinf.htm.

• Have your water tested by your local health department or by a laboratory certified by the state to do drinking water analyses.

Contaminated Food
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.  Discard any food without a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with floodwater.  Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the labels thoroughly, wash the cans, and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water for clean surfaces.  Re-label your cans, including the expiration date, with a marker.  Food containers with screw-caps, snap lids, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood water because they cannot be disinfected.

Contaminated Items
Discard wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers.  There is no way to safely clean them if they have come in contact with contaminated flood waters.  Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils with soap and hot water and sanitize by boiling them in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1/4 cup of household bleach per gallon of water.

Hygiene
Basic hygiene is very important during an emergency period.  Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected and cooled before eating, after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated by floodwater or sewage.

For more information, contact your local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.