Floods are one of the most common hazards
in the United States. Flood effects can be
local, impacting a neighborhood or community,
or very large, affecting entire cities, river
basins and multiple states. To assist you
with your flood emergency preparedness planning,
review the following information.
However, all floods are not alike. Some
floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period
of days. But flash floods can develop quickly,
in as little as minutes and without any visible
signs of rain. Flash floods often have a
dangerous wall of water that carries rocks,
mud and other debris that can destroy anything
in its path.
Flooding can occur when rivers or streams
exceed their banks, or levees are breached.
Excessive rainfall in a short period may
also stress local drainage systems leading
to localized flooding. Dams may also fail
causing flooding. Be aware of the potential
flood hazards where you live, especially
if you live in a low-lying area, near water
or downstream of a dam and maintain adequate
survival gear.
Familiarize yourself with these
terms:
Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Tune
in to National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, commercial
radio, or television for information. Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible.
Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen
to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio,
or television for information. Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or
will occur soon; if advised to evacuate,
do so immediately. Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring;
seek higher ground on foot immediately.
If you must evacuate, part of your emergency
preparedness plan should include being able
to:
Secure your home or office. If you have
time move important items and furniture to
upper floors.
Turn off utilities (gas, water,
electrical) at the main valves/switches
if instructed
to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances
only if you are not standing in water!
Grab your survival gear.
DO NOT walk through
moving water. Six inches of water can make
you lose your footing
and fall. If you must walk in water,
walk where
the water is not moving. Use a stick
to check the firmness of the ground
in front
of you
before stepping forward.
DO NOT drive
into flooded areas. If flood waters rise
around your car,
abandon
the car and move to higher ground
if you can
do so safely. Six inches of water
will reach the bottom of most passenger
cars causing
loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles
and
two feet of rushing water can carry
most vehicles downstream, including
SUVs and
pick-up trucks.
