One of the most common and unfortunate hazards in the United States are Flood. It can affect whether a small neighborhood, a big community or multiple states.
There are many classifications of flood. Some develops slowly, like over a period of rainy days and some develops very quickly like flash floods.
Flash floods develop in minutes with no evidence of rain all around. It can also be caused by hours of excessive out pouring of rain, a dam failure or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Some flash floods can destroy buildings and bridges, tear out trees or roll over boulders. It can also trigger catastrophic mudslides. What's very dangerous about flash flood is its roaring water carrying rocks, mud, and other debris and it can sweep away almost anything in its path. Flash floods in the United States are considered the number one weather related killer.
Overland flooding, on the other hand, occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but just the same, it can still be dangerous and destructive.
Get yourself familiarized by these important terms to identify a flood hazard:
Flood Watch - there is a possible flood in your area. Make sure you tune in to a weather Radio like NOAA, a commercial radio or television for more information.
Flood Warning - flood can occur anytime or very soon. If the authorities advised to evacuate, do so very quickly.
Flash Flood Watch - there is a possible flash flood. Better to prepare to move to a higher ground. Still, listen to any news updates on the radio, television of weather radio.
Flash Flood Warning - a flash flood is occurring and it is best to move immediately to a higher ground.
Before a Flood
- Avoid living in a flood prone area. Make sure to find out with the local building department f the area is prone to flooding. Survey the area before transferring, better sure than sorry.
- If you are in a flood zone area, make sure to avail of flood insurances. Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowner's insurance.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if your area is susceptible to flooding.
- Make sure to install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
- Stop the water from entering the house or building by putting barriers like levees, beams and floodwalls.
- Have large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins from water rising up through the pipes.
- Maintain a disaster supply kit at home, a kit will have (at minimum):
- First aid supplies
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Non-perishable food
- Drinking water
- Blanket(s) or sleeping bag(s)
- Rain gear or a change of clothing
- Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage
During a Flood
- Listen to radio or television for information.
- Be aware that flash flooding could occur and if there is a possibility of flash flooding, make sure to move out on a higher ground immediate and do not wait for the authorities for instructions to move.
- Flash flood can happen in the areas near a dam, streams, drainage channels, canyons. They can flood suddenly without a warning.
- Rain clouds and heavy rains can cause an ordinary flood or flash flooding so be aware and be alert on whatever possible thing could happen.
- Should you evacuate your area, you should do the following:
- Secure your home; make sure all the doors and windows are locked. Bring in outdoor furniture in case there are still time or move essential items to an upper floor to preserve your things.
- Turn off main switches and water valves. Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Make sure not to touch any electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in the water.
Evacuation Tips
- It is recommended not to walk through moving water. A six inch of moving water can cause you to fall. If you need to walk in water, make sure it is not moving and also make sure that the ground on your pathway is firm so you should use a stick to check on it.
- Do not drive into flooded areas.
- If in case flood arise around your car, abandon the car immediately, if the water is not rushing, then move to a higher ground if you can do so safely.
- A foot of water can possibly float a vehicle and cause you to lose control.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's (Sport Utility Vehicles) and pick-ups.
After the Flood
- Do not rush to return home after the flood, flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio or television to know from the authorities if it is already safe to return home.
- Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
- Avoid flood waters as much as possible as they may contain spilled gas or raw sewage.
- In case foods and medicine got wet from flood water, throw them our immediately.
- Listen for new reports and learn whether the community's water is safe to drink.
- Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings.
- Watch out for animals, like snakes, that may have come into your home with flood waters.
- Take pictures of the damage - both of the house and its contents for insurance claims.
- Look for fire or danger hazards like broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances, flammable or explosive materials. Watch out for broken glasses that can cut.
- Report any potential emergencies to the proper authorities.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
