What should I know when returning to areas affected by flooding?

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) offers the following tips and precautions.

• Stay tuned to local news organizations for important announcements, bulletins and instructions.
• You may not have immediate access to your home. Roads could be blocked, power lines could be down and persons may be in need of assistance.
• Make sure that you have current identification. You may have to pass through identification checkpoints before being allowed access to your home/neighborhood.
• Avoid sight-seeing or entering a storm-affected area unnecessarily.
• Many roads may still have standing water. Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters. Remember the slogan, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown®,” as there could be unseen dangers, such as debris or a washed out roadway.
• Do not drive past barricades. Many water rescues have been caused by motorists ignoring these warnings. The Iowa DOT will remove barriers after inspecting roadways and bridges to make sure they are safe, and clearing any debris.

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