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Flood Safety Awareness Week: Prepare Yourself and Your Family Against Flooding
Written by
Amanda Mark
, staff, RedCross.org
Friday, March 24, 2006 — An unfortunate byproduct of the spring showers that bring May flowers, floods wreak havoc across the United States – causing billions of dollars of damage and, on average, about 100 deaths annually.
Always pay attention to closed road signs. Never cross even a few inches of water.
(Photo Credit: Rodger Doncaster/American Red Cross)
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Recognizing that flooding is one of the most costly and common natural disasters, the National Weather Service has declared the week of March 20 to 24 to be Flood Safety Awareness Week.
On the heels of extensive flooding in the Dallas area that damaged more than 150 homes and recent flooding in Kauai and Oahu that caused a dam to burst and has triggered mudslides on the isles, the American Red Cross urges individuals and their families to know the signs of flooding and flash flooding and to get prepared.
“Even a few inches of moving water can be deadly in the right – or very wrong – circumstances,” warned Red Cross Preparedness Expert Keith Robertory. “Listen to your local radio or tv station and heed the warnings from local officials. Most importantly, never drive or walk through rising or moving waters.”
Robertory also encouraged individuals and families to create a family communications plan and know the actions to take during severe weather watches and warnings.
Know What to Expect
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Know your area's flood risk—if unsure, contact your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office, or planning and zoning department.
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If it has been raining hard for several hours or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
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Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
Reduce Potential Flood Damage
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Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
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Consult with a professional for further information if this and other measures can be taken to reduce damage.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
- Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places such as a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.
- Written instructions for how and when to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn gas back on.)
Assemble, or Buy and Customize, a Disaster Supplies Kit
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Canned food and can opener
- At least one gallon of water per person per day
- Protective clothing, rainwear and bedding or sleeping bags
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
When a Flood WATCH Is Issued
- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING Is Issued
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH Is Issued
- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued
- Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades; they are there for your safety.
In addition to recognizing this week at National Flood Awareness Week, the National Weather Service highlighted their campaign “Turn around, don’t drown,” which is now seen on Federal road signs in flooding areas. According to the National Weather Service, the reason that so many people drown during flooding is because so few realize the power of water. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock down an adult. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
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