| Floods
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 to help identify a hurricane
hazard.
- Familiarize
yourself with these terms to help identify
a flood hazard.
- 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.
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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.
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