CLEVELAND - Significant weather is continuing to make its way through Cuyahoga County, and residents should be ready for additional storms forecasted by the National Weather Services (NWS). For those communities that were impacted Monday night, they will have continued rainfall today and into this evening, slowing recovery efforts made yesterday.

"We want to make sure our residents are informed and prepared in the event of the severe weather that is expected to come," said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald. "Cuyahoga County is committed to making sure our residents are educated on severe weather preparedness."

The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management is assessing and working with the NWS and local city EMAs to prepare for the impact of the storm.

During this time, flooding is possible and it is important to be prepared and take the necessary safety precautions:

Safety Tips During a Flood…

• Never drive through moving water or standing water.
• If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and safely move to higher ground.
• Avoid walking through moving water. As little as 6 inches of moving water can cause injury.
• If you have to walk in water, whenever possible walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Notify the utilities company if you notice downed power lines.

Safety Tips During Flood Evacuation…

• If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
• If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
• If possible, move essential items to an upper floor.

Safety Tips After a Flood…

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

The American Red Cross, a critical partner during disasters, is also standing by with pre-identified shelters, should they be needed. Residents should heed warnings given by local and state officials of flash flooding and high wind. They should also stay tuned to their NOAA weather radio and local news meteorologists who report up-to-the-minute information on the weather conditions and the severe storms this pattern may bring.

Residents with flooding damage should also contact their local city government, so the information can be captured during damage assessments.

The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management's mission is to protect lives, property, the environment, and the economy. For additional information, contact us at 216-443-5700 or online at http://ja.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/emergency-management.aspx.