Worst Case Scenario: What Happens If Disaster Strikes

So, you've put together an emergency kit, stocked up on batteries, bottled water and canned food and taken all of the suggested emergency precautions. But what happens if your house floods and you haven't evacuated; or what if you drive into a flooded area and your car gets stuck?

Even though emergency officials say you should make every effort to avoid being in harm's way, anything is possible when disasters such as hurricanes strike.

In case you have the misfortune of facing a worst case scenario, here are some tips from the Cranford Fire Department, just in case.

If your house floods...

"For people that are going to be exposed to flood prone areas, they will, hopefully have evacuated," Fire Chief Leonard Dolan said, adding that once the area is safe, debris is removed, damage is assessed, water is pumped out and utilities are restored, residents will be allowed to re-eneter their homes.

However, if residents are not evacuated and are still in the home when flood waters begin to rise and enter the home, Dolan said it is important to shut off the utilities such as the electric and gas. Residents should then move to an upper level of the home. At that point, it is recommended that residents stay put and wait for help to arrive.

If you drive into a flooded area and get stuck...

Although Dolan cautions motorists to steer clear of standing water when driving, he said that incidents involving trapped and stranded motorists are not uncommon. If you find yourself in this type of situation, stay in the car and use your cell phone to call 911 and tell the operator your emergency and your location. Then wait until rescuers arrive. If, however, water begins to enter the car, Dolan said you should make an attempt to get out of the car by lowering power windows. Water pressure outside the car could make it difficult to open the doors. Try to break a window, climb onto the door and then onto the roof of the car. Wait there for emergency workers to arrive.

If power lines fall onto your car while you're in it....

Do not attempt to exit the vehicle, Dolan warns. Instead, call 911 and wait inside the vehicle for rescuers to arrive, since the power lines may still be energized and exiting the car could lead to electrical shock.

If you lose power...

The fire chief suggests that residents plan for and expect to lose power during the hurricane. This means having flashlights and batteries handy. Firefighters we don't recommend the use of candles as a light source in the event that there is a power outage.

"Candles are a dangerous option," Chief Dolan said, adding that if the candles cause a fire, flood waters and dangerous conditions brought on by Hurricane Irene may make it extremely difficult for firefighters to reach your house.

Above all, Dolan stressed that residents should take precautions to avoid putting themselves in harm's way.