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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 river basins and multiple states.
However, all floods are not alike. Some floods
develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can
develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible
signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring
water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most
things in its path.
Overland flooding occurs
outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but
still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks,
producing effects similar to flash floods.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you
live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very
small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying
grounds that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at
risk from this hazard.
Flood
Information from FEMA
To prepare for a flood, you should:
- Avoid building in a floodplain
unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
- Elevate the furnace, water
heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
- Install "check valves" in sewer
traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
- Construct barriers (levees,
beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
- Seal walls in basements with
waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or television
for information.
- Be aware that fl ash flooding can
occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to
higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of streams, drainage
channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods
can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain
clouds or heavy rain.
If you must prepare to evacuate during a flood, you should do the following:
- Secure your home. If you have
time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
- Do not walk through moving water.
Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in
water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the
firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
- Listen for news reports to learn
whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be
contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
- Water may also be electrically
charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Avoid moving water.
- Be aware of areas where
floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under
the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power
lines, and report them to the power company.
- Return home only when authorities
indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of any building if it is
surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when entering
buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Service damaged septic tanks,
cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage
systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
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