Flash floods happen quickly. Learn how you can prepare in advance.
According to the National Weather Service, the causes of flash flooding include heavy rain, ice, debris jams, and levee or dam failure. These floods exhibit a rapid rise of water over low-lying areas. In some cases, flooding may even occur away from where heavy rain initially fell.
Follow these tips from Ready.gov to make sure you, your family, and your home prepare for a flash flood:
- Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information on the flood risk in your area. Flooding is by no means limited to floodplains. Where it rains, it can flood. More than 20 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims are filed for properties outside the high-risk flood area.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain, if flash flooding is a risk in your location.
- Learn and practice evacuation routes,shelter plans, and flash flood response.
- Gather supplies now. You may have to leave your home immediately. As you gather supplies, keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets.
- Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container, or create password-protected digital copies.
- Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment