Maury County authorities encourage residents to take caution on wet, flooded roads

Feb. 22-- Feb. 22--As Maury County's roads remain slick from days of rainfall and flood waters continue to rise throughout the state, local authorities urge residents to take caution.

"We are expecting more rain Friday and Saturday, with the potential for thunderstorms and tornadoes on Saturday, the Maury County Fire Department said in a recent statement.

Flooding is possible. If you come across a flooded roadway, remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown. If you feel that you may need to be rescued, call 911." The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the region and Columbia's firefighters expected to see the waters of the Duck River to rise to nearly 40-feet.

RELATED: Flood waters on the rise this weekend

Maury County Public Schools was closed on Friday due to concerns for road conditions and flooding.

Columbia Academy was also closed on Friday.

"This could significantly impact accessibility on our rural roads," the school district said. "After conferring with the emergency management offices and our sheriff's department, we determined to close tomorrow, Friday."

All extra curricular activities were also canceled for the day.

MCPS superintendent Chris Marczak urged students and teachers use caution when navigating the county's wet roads.

The Columbia Police Department issues a statement earlier this week urging residents to take caution.

"Most roadways are currently open but we expect that some areas may flood and that some roadways will be shut down, the department said. "Please use caution when traveling near flooded areas. Flash flooding may occur even when it is not raining in the immediate area."

The department issued the following safety tips:

? Never drive around barricades shutting down a roadway. Even when it appears safe, flooding may have caused an unseen safety problem with the roadway.

? Do not drive through flooded areas, even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding occur with people driving through flooded areas. Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500-pound vehicle. Two feet of water can easily carry most automobiles.

? Roads concealed by water may not be intact.

? Do not cross flowing streams of water on foot where water is above your ankles.

? Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas!

? Be especially cautious at night. It's harder to recognize water danger in low light situations.

? Monitor U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) or other weather reporting sources for updated information on flooding.

The Columbia Fire Department also encourages residents to remain cautious.

"If you are in a flooded situation, if you don't know, don't go," Jeremy Finley, Columbia Fire Department assistant chief previously told The Daily Herald.

"You don't know how deep that water is, you don't know what is in that water," Finley continued. "The biggest thing is just stay away from moving water when you don't know what is under it. Anytime you are going to be around water, have on a life vest follow codes set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency."

More than 6 inches of standing water or 4 inches of moving water can be damaging to most vehicles, according to The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), along with the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (FTAAAD).

TEMA and the FTAAAD suggest these precautions when preparing for a potential flood:

? Maintain a disaster ready supply kit, which can include things like food, water, dry clothes, first-aid and a local map.

? Have written instructions on procedures to turn off electricity, gas and water utilities.

? Find out if your home is at risk for flooding by checking your homeowner's insurance policy regarding flood coverage.

? Create an evacuation plan identifying potential safe spaces and routes for travel.

? Store important documents, information and valuables in a safe-deposit box or a fireproof or waterproof container.

? Have a radio with extra batteries in the home in case a cell phone gets damaged, wet or cell towers lose power due to weather.

? Listen to updates on the radio, social media or local television news.

? Be prepared to evacuate immediately if authorities issue an evacuation in your area.

? If you drive your vehicle, move slow and be aware of potential engine damage.

? Other cars stranded by the water are also a good indicator of a road's potential damage to your vehicle.

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