Columbia, Boone County offer flood safety tips to residents

COLUMBIA — Authorities are preparing for heavy rains and flooding this spring in mid-Missouri. This week, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are providing tips to residents to prepare for floods and severe weather, according to a release.

Tips include evacuating an area if advised to do so, never driving through flooded roadways and being especially cautious when driving at night. The Office of Emergency Management has publications available regarding flood preparation. Copies are available on the office's Web site  or by calling 874-7400.

Eighteen people in Missouri have died in the past five years in floods, and most of the deaths happened when drivers tried to cross a water-covered roadway, according to the release.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has also issued a public safety announcement advising drivers to turn on their headlights in rain or fog, be aware of pedestrians taking advantage of warmer weather and pay attention to more motorists on the road.