Flash floods and flood safety in Beaufort and Hilton Head Island areas

Flash flooding in the Beaufort and Hilton Head Island area are very rare but possible.
Most likely are slow rising flooding and can be equally as dangerous. Due to the fact that the area is near sea level, the threat exists near any standing water. Also the water table around the area is very near the ground surface. Large amounts of rain or wind driven storms, particularly from the east, can cause much local flooding. There are safety issues which need to be observed and taught to children no matter what their age.

Flood Rules
1)	Floods are most dangerous to children as any body of water will attract a child. Teach your child how to swim and to stay away from standing water if very young. Several inches of water can drown a young child.
2)	Flood water carries disease. Septic waste often backs up in flood water as well as yard fertilizers and other chemicals.
3)	Flood water also provides a "nursery" for biting insects. These outbreaks of hungry insects can spread disease and misery.
4)	Flood waters around Beaufort are mixed with salt water and can rust out a car body quickly.
5)	Flood water can carry many parasites such as ringworm, particularly in the muddy waterline.
6)	If a power line is down, water will carry a live and fatal current.
7)	If caught in moving water, swim WITH the current at an angle towards land. DO NOT swim against the current as you will loose. Teach your children this and give plenty of examples. Ask them to tell you how to do it so you know they know. Most drownings in moving water occur because the victim swam against the current or could not swim.
8)	If you see someone in trouble, call for help. If you get in trouble trying to save them, who will save you both?
9)	The ground next to water after flooding or heavy rain can become very unstable. Do not trust bank areas for stable support.
10)	If flood waters reach the center of you cars wheels, make sure to have your axle (rear end) or transaxle (front wheel drive) oil changed.
11)	Rinse you cars under carriage well with fresh water to help prevent rusting out. This includes the wheels and behind the wheels aimed at the brakes.
12)	Remember the land creatures. Snakes and other animals will retreat to high ground too. Teach your children this. Beaufort and Hilton Head Island have a variety of poisonous snakes. They will stand their ground during a flood as will most other normally "lovable" creatures. They often are more aggressive and their behavior can be unpredictable.
13)	Flood water will often attract an alligator. Remember, a gator can outrun a human for short distances. They will be confused and agitated with their new surroundings. They can be very aggressive to people and house pets.