Flash Flooding Potential
The New York State Department of Health is urging home care providers to prepare for the potential impacts of heavy rainfall and flash flooding expected through July 7. Flood watches are in effect for Long Island, the Mid-Hudson Region, New York City, and the Southern Tier, with 2–4 inches of rain expected in many areas and localized totals of up to 5 inches. Power outages, road closures, and travel disruptions are possible.
Access the Health Commerce System (HCS) regularly to ensure that your contact information is current for active staff members.
Home care providers in impacted areas can prepare by:
- Reviewing your emergency plan and having caregivers review in-home plans with your patients.
- Including plans for power outages in your communications with staff and patients.
- Ensuring that adequate staffing will be available for the duration of the storm events.
- Having staff assist patients with checking for adequate supplies, food, and water.
- Checking communication systems; ensure back-up communication modalities are functioning.
- Staying connected with staff, especially those in the field. Touch base frequently, even if there is nothing new to report.
- Providing regular updates to staff and patients on weather conditions and local effects on travel, power, etc.
- Responding promptly to any Health Electronic Response Data System (HERDS) surveys, which are conducted to capture important information for emergency planning, response, and recovery.
Remember: Driving through heavy rain can be dangerous.
- Keep both hands on the wheel in case of sudden gusty winds.
- Slow down on wet pavement.
- Prepare for changing visibility due to heavy rain.
Never drive through standing water! Turn around and go another way. If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately. Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.
