Viral Flood Hacks on TikTok: Safety Experts Warn Against Risky Preparations

As relentless downpours trigger deadly flooding across Texas and other U.S. regions, desperate homeowners are scrolling TikTok for survival tips. One viral video by creator Felyk Dimon (@felykdimon) has exploded with 31.1 million views, showcasing unconventional flood safety tips like writing phone numbers on children’s bandages and freezing coins as power outage detectors. But emergency professionals are raising alarms about potentially dangerous advice mixed with these well-intentioned hacks.

Analyzing the Viral Flood Preparedness Techniques

Dimon’s video demonstrates several controversial methods:

• Child identification: Writing contact numbers on a child’s bandage and boot sole with “call me :)”
• Financial prep: Stashing cash and credit cards—complete with visible PIN codes—in plastic bags inside shoes
• Power monitoring: Freezing coins atop ice cubes to detect thawing (indicating outages)
• DIY lighting: Creating makeshift lanterns using foil-filled water vases and flashlights

While some techniques show ingenuity, experts highlight critical flaws. “That bandage will detach instantly in water, leaving your child unidentified,” says Sarah Thompson, disaster response coordinator at the American Red Cross. “Writing PINs on cards risks identity theft if items are lost.” The coin-freezing trick, though scientifically valid for tracking freezer functionality, offers no actionable solution during active flooding.

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Certified Flood Safety Tips: What Authorities Actually Advise

The CDC and FEMA emphasize evidence-based flood safety tips prioritizing immediate survival and communication:

Essential Go-Bag Items

• Prescription medications and first-aid supplies
• Water (1 gallon per person daily) and non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio/N.O.A.A. weather radio
• Waterproof documents (IDs, insurance cards)
• Cash in sealed bags—without exposing financial PINs

Critical Actions During Floods

1. Evacuate early when authorities issue warnings
2. Avoid floodwaters—6 inches can sweep adults away
3. Shut off utilities if instructed
4. Use text messages for communication (less network-dependent)
5. Check vulnerable neighbors post-evacuation

Unlike viral hacks, FEMA’s Ready.gov stresses digital preparedness: “Email important documents to yourself and use emergency apps for real-time alerts.” Their research shows families with written communication plans reunite 82% faster after disasters.

Public Backlash and Practical Alternatives

TikTok commenters fiercely debated Dimon’s methods:

“You just leaked your phone number and credit card code!”
@BkNailzz countered: “Use Sharpie on skin—ink survives water unlike bandages!”

Emergency professionals suggest safer alternatives:

• Child ID: Waterproof wristbands with contact info
• Lighting: Chemical light sticks (safer than glass vases)
• Power checks: Battery-powered temperature alerts
• Cash storage: Waterproof pouches on persons, not footwear

“During 2023 Vermont floods, people wading through water lost shoes constantly,” notes Thompson. “Never store essentials there.”

Flood risks are intensifying nationwide—prepare using verified resources, not viral trends.

Must Know

What are the most critical flood safety tips?
Prioritize evacuation orders, avoid floodwaters, and prepare a go-bag with medications, water, radios, and waterproof documents. Rely on official sources like FEMA or CDC for updates instead of social media.

Is hiding cash in shoes during floods safe?
No. Shoes easily detach in currents. Use waist-worn waterproof pouches instead. Never write PINs on cards—memorize them or use secure password apps.

Do bandages with phone numbers work for child ID?
Bandages fail in water. Opt for waterproof wristbands or permanent markers on clothing. Teach children their phone numbers and meeting points.

How can I monitor power outages safely?
Freezing coins works but isn’t essential. Focus on battery-powered weather radios and phone power banks. Sign up for utility outage alerts via text.

What should I include in a flood emergency kit?
Pack 3 days of water/food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash, copies of IDs/insurance, N95 masks, and pet supplies. Store in waterproof backpacks.

How do I receive reliable flood alerts?
Download FEMA, Red Cross, or Weather Channel apps. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) on phones. Follow local .gov social media accounts.

While creativity thrives on TikTok during crises, verified flood safety tips save lives—trust experts, not influencers, when waters rise. Bookmark FEMA’s flood preparation guide and discuss family emergency plans today.