December 7, 2015

Major winter rainstorms can cause unexpected floods in parts of Portland. 

The Bureau of Environmental Services has important tips to help you and your family stay safe during extreme rains: 

• Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive – only six inches of flowing water can knock someone off their feet! If you have to walk through flowing water, use a pole or stick.

• Do not drive through a flooded area. It’s dangerous, and flooded waters can damage your vehicle.

• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Report any downed power lines to your power company.

• If you live or work in a floodplain, and know a flood is coming, shut off your gas and electricity.

 Download the Bureau of Environmental Services’ multilingual flyer, How to Avoid the Flood, to learn more.