Flood Safety

The National Weather Service has declared March 16th through the 20th as Flood Safety Awareness Week.  The topic for today is Flood Safety.

Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather-related event with an average of 4.6 billion dollars per year in the past 20 years.  Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states of U.S. territories any time of the year.

How to receive alerts for flooding:
NOAA weather radio all-hazards is the best means to receive warnings from the National Weather Service.  The NWS continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA weather radios sold in many stores.  To find out more about weather radios, check out http://www.weather.gov/chs/nwr.shtml

Also, their homepage identifies where flood statements and warnings are in effect:  http://www.weather.gov/chs

In addition to staying informed, be on the lookout for rapidly rising water or water flowing across a road.  Nearly half of all flood fatalities are auto related.  Nighttime flooding is especially dangerous so be very cautious after dark.

How to prepare for a flood:
How to reduce potential flood damage and what to include in a family disaster plan can be obtained from the American Red Cross. 

Plan Ahead:
Identify where to go if told to evacuate.  Choose several places, the home of a friend, a motel in another town, or a shelter.  Consult FEMA’s website to determine the flood risk of your location.  Just go to http://www.floodsmart.gov or call your local emergency management agency.  Check your homeowners or renters insurance.  Homeowners policies do not cover flooding.  Contact your insurance agent to find out how to get flood insurance.

If a Flash Flood Watch is issued…this means conditions are favorable for flood-producing rainfall or a dam break may be imminent.  This is the time to check your preparedness plans and know how to evacuate if a warning is issued or flooding is observed.

If a Flash Flood Warning is issued, be alert for possible evacuations and follow official requests.  When driving, try to avoid areas under a Flash Flood Warning or at least be very cautious for water on the road.

Children should never be allowed to play near storm drains, ditches or other flooded areas.  Only six inches of fast moving water can sweep an adult off his/her feet, and this means even less is required for children.