has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people since 1900. Property damage
from flooding now totals over one billion dollars each year in the United
States. Nearly 9 out of 10 presidential disaster declarations result from
natural phenomena in which flooding was a major component.
What is a Flood?
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters except fire.
Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding
after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms, or winter snow thaws. Floods can be
slow, or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days.
Dam failures are potentially the worst flood events. A dam failure is usually
the result of neglect, poor design, or structural damage caused by a major event
such as an earthquake. When a dam fails, a gigantic quantity of water is
suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.
What is a Flash Flood?
Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain
within a brief period. Flash floods occur with little or no warning and can
reach full peak in only a few minutes.
Floodwaters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly
moving water can knock people off their feet. The best protection during a
flood is to leave the area and go to shelter on higher ground.
Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out
trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach
heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of
debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately
to higher ground.
Cars can easily be swept away in just two (2) feet of moving water. If
floodwaters rise around a car, it should be abandoned. Passengers should climb
immediately to higher ground.
Individuals and business owners can protect themselves from flood losses by
purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage. Information is available
through local insurance agents and emergency management offices.
During a Flood Watch
· Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes
· Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
· Move valuable household possessions to the upper floors or to safe ground if
· If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities
at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
· Be prepared to evacuate.
During a Flood
· Turn on a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency
· Get your pre-assembled emergency supplies.
· If told to leave, do so immediately.
· Climb to higher ground if necessary and stay there.
· Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly, it can sweep
you off your feet.
· If you drive to a flooded area, turn around and go another way.
· If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many
deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
· Follow recommended evacuation routes.
· Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.
After the Flood
· Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio
or television and don’t return home until authorities indicate it safe to do
· Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance-infants,
elderly, wheel chaired, deaf, blind, non-English speaking.
· Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
· Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building.
· When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
· Wear sturdy shoes and use battery powered lanterns or flashlights when
· Examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure that the building is
not in danger of collapsing.
· Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes, that may have come into
your home with the flood waters. Use a stick to poke through debris.
· Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.
· Take pictures of the damage- both to the house and its contents for insurance
· Look for fire hazards, broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical
circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances, and flammable or
explosive materials coming from upstream.
· Throwaway food -including canned goods-that have come in contact with
· Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one third of the water per day),
to avoid structural damage.
· Service septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as
possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.