Staying safe amid heightened flooding risk in East Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As Storm Team 6 monitors the risk of isolated flooding , there are some steps you can take to prepare.

Storm Team 6 Assistant Chief Meteorologist Victoria Cavaliere reminded viewers it’s important to have a plan.

“What are you going to do if your area or the home that you’re in is flooded? Where are you going to go?” Cavaliere said. “Of course, you always want to seek higher ground.”

Part of that plan should include ways you can get notifications like our weather app. You can download our weather app in the App Store or Google Play just search ‘Knoxville Weather.’

“Before the flooding happens, we always talk about making sure to have some way to monitor the weather, either an app that you have on your phone, the National Weather Service radios,” Knoxville Fire Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks said.

Another step to take is placing sandbags out by areas like retaining walls.

“For many people, flooding and mudslides and those kinds of things, or landslides, they tend to happen pretty rapidly,” she said. “But if you know that you live in an area like that, that’s always a good thing to have in mind.”

We have all heard the saying “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” You should never drive on a flooded road.

“Only six inches of water can float most people and 12 inches of water can float most vehicles,” Cavaliere said. “Now one of the key things to do is to remember if you get evacuated from your areas to always follow those orders.” Also make sure you have a plan in place in case you area does experience flooding.”

Debris in the water can also pose a risk to people.

“There’s stuff under the water that you may not see. Those snags and different things like that can literally grab ahold you and knock you down,” Wilbanks said.

Finally, Cavaliere explains that you should contact your insurance company to see if you’re in flood zone and could qualify for any insurance benefits.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.