Floods are one of the most frequent and costly natural disasters occurring in the United States. Up to 90% of the damage that occurs in other natural disasters is caused by flooding and flash flooding after the disaster. Almost all communities in the United States have a flood potential after spring rains, heavy storms or winter snowmelts. Floods can vary in speed but generally build up over a period of days. Dam failures have the potential for the highest devastating event potential. These usually result from neglect, poor design or structural damage caused by events such as earthquakes. Dam failures create a gigantic wall of water, suddenly released, usually destroying ANYTHING in its path. Floodwaters are extremely dangerous with the force of six inches of fast moving water knocking adult humans off their feet and sweeping them away.
Flash flooding is almost always the result of large, intense storms dropping large quantities of rain in a brief period of time. They can occur with little or no warning and can reach full potential in a few minutes. Flash flood waters move at extremely high speeds and can move rocks, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges. Water walls can reach up to 20 feet and are usually accompanied by deadly volumes of debris.
Cars can easily be swept away in as little as 2 feet of moving water. If floodwaters rise up around a vehicle, it should be abandoned quickly. Any passengers should immediately move to higher ground.
Devastating floods cause billions of dollars of property damage every year.
Flood terminology includes the following:
Flood Watch - Means that there is a potential for flooding in your area.
Flash Flood - A sudden, violent flood.
100-Year Flood - Means that there is a 1- percent possibility that this area will be flooded in any one year.
Base Flood Elevation - The height that floodwaters in that area have a 1- percent possibility of reaching or exceeding.
Special Flood Hazard Areas - Areas on a FEMA Flood Map that are at high risk of flooding.
BEFORE THE FLOOD
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan. Be familiar with escape routes as it may be necessary to escape your neighborhood.
Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and learn the flood warning signs. If you live in an area that floods frequently, have a SPECIAL stockpile of emergency building materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer, saw, shovels and sandbags. Have check valves installed in your sewer traps in your home to prevent floodwaters from backing up into your sewer drains. Know how to turn off your utilities at the main line for your home and make sure you have the proper tools to do so.
DURING A FLOOD WATCH
Tune into local radio or television for the latest reports and storm information.
Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
Bring outdoor items like patio furniture, etc. indoors.
If instructed to do so, turn off utilities at the main lines into your home.
Be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so.
DURING A FLOOD
If Indoors:
Tune into local news via radio or television for the latest information.
Get your emergency supplies together.
Prepare to evacuate if instructed to do so.
If Outdoors:
Move to higher ground and stay there unless the waters rise to your area.
Avoid walking through floodwaters.
Try to find shelter indoors on high ground.
If In A Vehicle:
If you're driving and come upon a flooded area, turn around. DO NOT try to drive though. Even several inches of swift moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Evacuation:
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Evacuation is easier and safer BEFORE floodwaters become a threat.
Listen to battery-operated radio for evacuation orders and routes. Follow recommended routes - shortcuts may be blocked.
AFTER A FLOOD
Stay tuned to local radio for more floodwaters or flash flooding.
Remember to check on neighbors and assist in finding victims who are trapped or need assistance.
Be sure to check for damaged utility lines and building foundations.
If floodwaters still surround the building, stay OUT of that building until the water recedes.
Wear sturdy shoes and use high-powered, battery-operated flashlights when inspecting buildings.
Watch out for animals, especially snakes that make have used your home for shelter from the rising waters. Use a stick to move and poke through debris.
Watch for loose plaster and ceiling collapse.
Check for leaking, damaged or broken gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged appliances and furnaces.
Be away of what is upstream from your home such as explosive or hazardous material leakage potential from upstream.
Dispose of ALL food including canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters.
Pump out flooded basement structures slowly, about 1/3 of the water per day, to avoid additional structure damage.
Check septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible after the disaster since damaged sewage systems are extreme health hazards.
Mold and mildew can be serious health threats causing allergic reactions to respiratory illnesses. To stop mold from spreading you must reduce the humidity and temperatures. Use the air conditioning, install dehumidifiers and empty them often. Dispose of moldy objects immediately by sealing them in plastic bags. Objects that you want to save should be dried immediately and cleaned or frozen until you can clean them to prevent further mold growth.
Once the mold is dry and inactive you can clean it by wiping away the residue. Work outside or with protective clothing and a filtration mask. Before you return the objects to you home make sure that they are completely dry and clean. Check them periodically for new mold growth. To remove mold and mildew residue from walls, baseboards, etc., wash them with a mixture of bleach and water.
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