Floods are among the most common and destructive natural disasters we face. Flash floods can easily inundate an area after only a few minutes or hours of intense rainfall. Floods have the potential to cause untold amounts of damage.
While the topography of some areas makes them more prone to flooding, keep in mind that any location that receives rainfall has the potential to flood. Although a majority of these floods are storm related, there is a growing concern among intelligence officials that terrorists could target dams and levee systems in order to cause devastating floods. If you live or work near a dam or levee system, you need to be especially prepared for the possibility of an unexpected flooding.
Worldwide, flash floods and flooding are the number one thunderstorm-related cause of death. Most of the danger lies in the speed and force at which the floodwater moves. Most people simply don’t realize how dangerous it actually is.
In the United States, floods cause more damage than any other type of severe-weather-related event, costing an average of $5 billion each year.
Surviving a flood requires preparation. That means knowing what the threats are and finding out whether or not your home is in a known flood zone.
Unfortunately, because of an increased threat of terrorism, many governments have moved to restrict maps from showing areas that could be inundated by floodwaters. This makes it hard for average citizens to fully understand the dangers they may face.
Although many of these flood zone maps are now hard to come by, contacting your state’s dam safety agency or your local emergency management officials can help you understand the potential dangers in your neighborhood. Many times these local agencies can provide a wealth of knowledge, and they’re more likely to share their information with the public.
Another important part of preparing for floods is having a way to find out when they’re coming. I recommend buying a good NOAA Weather Radio. In North America, NOAA Weather Radios receive alerts from a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. These alerts are broadcast 24/7, and they are one of the best ways to receive warnings and stay on top of potential storm-related threats.
We’ve already discussed how deadly even 6 inches (15 cm) of floodwater can be. If a flood is on its way or already forming, you need to be prepared to evacuate immediately.
Even in areas where floodwater has receded, there still may be a cause for concern. Roads can become weakened by floodwater and can easily collapse under the weight of a car.
After a flood, you need to stay away from any standing water. There’s a pretty good chance most of the floodwater will be contaminated by oil, gasoline, chemicals, bacteria, and even raw sewage.
After the floodwaters recede, you still need to stay on guard even when reentering your home.
Water and electricity don’t mix. If there is standing water inside your home, you increase your risk of electrocution. If possible, before entering your home shut off all power at your home’s breaker panel. If your breaker box is inside your home, or surrounded by water, do not attempt to turn off your power. Call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter, then you can safely turn off the power at your breaker box.