In the United States, floods are one of the most common and deadliest natural disasters. While some natural disasters occur more in certain regions of the country, such as earthquakes in the areas surrounding a fault line, floods can occur anywhere rain falls and can impact large areas of land. Because the weather cannot be controlled, there are only a few ways humans can prevent flooding. However, knowledge and preparation for a flood can help all homeowners stay safe and limit the amount of damage to personal property.
Before a Flood
One of the first steps to being ready for a flood is to know your risk for a flood. Then, create an emergency disaster plan that lists other natural disaster risks in your area. Develop a plan that includes a safe place for a family to stay if there is a flood, maps that show possible evacuation routes and road closures during a flood and directions that describe what to do if your family gets separated. Your emergency disaster plan should also include a kit with a list of important phone numbers, a first aid kit, medications, food, water and a document that lists the location of your valuables. If possible, store any valuables in the home on the upper floor of a home, off the floor.
During a Flood
During a flood, stay up-to-date on the latest information by listening to a battery-operated radio, which many MP3 players now include. Radio announcers typically broadcast the latest news about natural disasters, the locations of emergency shelters, road closures and safety instructions. Additionally, if you must drive during a flood, do not drive through moving water.
After a Flood
After the rains have stopped, it is best to continue to pay attention to the local to news to learn when it is safe to go home after a flood. Families should exercise caution as standing water in a home can contain mold, viruses and bacteria. If your home experienced any water damage, it is best to have a professional examine it to make sure the home is safe to enter. Moreover, if your home did suffer water damage from a flood, call a flood restoration specialist to help you examine the contents within it to see what you can salvage and what you need to throw away. For example, a restoration specialist can remediate wet documents, but may recommend throwing away old carpet to prevent mold growth.
Although a flood may be hard to predict and prevent, a family can easily prepare for one. Creating an emergency disaster plan and kit is a great activity for families to do together as it gets everyone involved and on the same page regarding important safety issues.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Drew, who is learning about flood safety in his science class. He found a great site, HomeownersInsurance.org, which has additional information about staying safe during a flood. Good find, Drew!
Winter weather worries include more than snow and freezing temperatures; winter is also one of the busiest flood seasons. Past floods have served as benchmarks and learning opportunities for communities that want to make sure their residents are ready for unexpected events, such as flash floods.
When determining if there is cause to issue a flash flood warning, the National Weather Service considers radar data, IFLOWS and automated rain gauges, soil conditions and the amount of rain that has already fallen in a particular area. When the waters rise, it merely takes a couple of feet of water to move car and other heavy objects. If there is a flash flood warning or heavy rains in your area, avoid driving through puddle of water or moving water because a flash flood can easily carry your vehicle away from the road and into a river, where most flash flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Every year, more people die from rainwater than they do lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes.
If a flash flood warning is issued, residents in a low-lying area or near a stream, dam or river should be prepared to evacuate quickly as the fast-rising waters can trap them on a roof or worse. Read more about floods.
Residents of Fargo, South Dakota are battling the Red River once again as it has reached the critical stage of a “major flood” today. As of 7:00 a.m., the river was 12-feet above flood stage at 30.34 feet, according to CNN. Waters are expected to get as high as 38 feet over the weekend.
Major Flood Stage
The term, “major flood stage,” was developed by the National Weather Service to describe floods whose waters have covered roads and buildings. When waters reach this stage possessions should be elevated, such as to the 2nd-story of a house, and residents should be prepare for an evacuation.
The recent flood was caused by the recent warm weather and rain melting snow, causing the Red River to swell in the Fargo area. There are still patches of ice and snow that have yet to melt.
One of the most important things to do before a storm is to have a plan: have a plan for your business, and have a plan for your home. This plan should include directions on where items should be stored to protect them from flood waters, preparing an emergency disaster kit that’s ready to go should there be an evacuation, and having a list of important phone numbers so you can reach family members, schools, insurance agents, etc. Being prepared will aid in business continuity and getting things back to normal afterwards.
What to do After a Flood
Do not go into a building to assess the damage unless an expert has said it is safe to do so. Call your insurance company to file a claim if you have flood insurance. Begin restoring wet items before mold can cause damage by placing them out to dry and calling a flood restoration specialist. Many items like documents, books and photographs can be dried and restored after a storm with the help of specialist as well.
The Howard Hanson Dam, east of Seattle in Washington State is leaking and this has scientists and residents worried.
The dam, which is controlling the Green River, began to show signs of weakness in January 2009. Officials since then have been warning area residents to prepare for a flood, according to the Associated Press, by placing valuable items in “safe” locations of homes and businesses. They also advised the residents of the Green River Valley to purchase flood insurance and “be ready to flee”.
Temporary fixes are being constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the scientists will not know how effective the $8.9 million short-term measures will be until more tests are done.
In addition to people worrying about their homes being destroyed, there is also much anxiety about the commercial tolls a flood would have. Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ main office is located in the area of concern along with shopping centers, factories, and other warehouses. Some areas of the valley could see up to 6 feet of flood water.
The cost to fix the dam could add up to $500 million and take up to three years.
The city of Auburn, WA has posted information on their website that lists information, meeting dates, and how one can receive emergency notifications about this situation.
“Turn around, don’t drown.” This is a sign many residents of Manatee County and Tampa Bay residents come upon if they are driving and the roads flood. Flooding of the roads is not an uncommon sight in Florida, especially during hurricane season.
Officials are warned residents this weekend about high water levels and poor drainage. These conditions could last through Tuesday.
Earlier in the month, Tampa Bay residents had already dealt with more than their share of rainfall and flooding.
In the United States, floods are one of the most common and deadliest natural disasters. While some natural disasters occur more in certain regions of the country, such as earthquakes in the areas surrounding a fault line, floods can occur anywhere rain falls and can impact large areas of land. Because the weather cannot be controlled, there are only a few ways humans can prevent flooding. However, knowledge and preparation for a flood can help all homeowners stay safe and limit the amount of damage to personal property.
