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FACTS:
- 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 ground
that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.
Every state is at risk from this hazard.
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Know your
flood terms:
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a
flood hazard:
Flood Watch:
Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio,
commercial radio, or television for information.
Flash Flood Watch:
Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher
ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or
television for information.
Flood Warning:
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to
evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Warning:
A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot
immediately.
What to do before a flood:
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.
What to do during a flood:
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or television for information.
- Be aware that flash 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, 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.
What to do after a flood:
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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