Health & Wellness Blog

Information posted is for information, entertainment, or educational purposes only.  Nothing is intended to be medical advice or to replace the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

Blog Home

Jun 17
2020

Flash Floods - What To Do

Posted by Scott  filed under Safety

Summer storms create flash flood risks.  This is more common in some parts of the country than others.  However, people are far more mobile today than in the past and should be aware of what to do if faced with this risk – especially if you come from an area that did not experience flash floods.

State and local governments dedicate resources to alert the public of road closures and danger areas.  They will position warning lights, signs, and barricades where water is known to cause problems on roads.  Likewise, they ensure police, sheriff, and fire department assets are ready to respond in problem areas. 

Being prepared when you live in an area prone to flooding:

Have an evacuation plan.  Practice it; ensure everyone knows what to do.

Learn where to find high ground.  In a flash flood scenario, seek high ground quickly.

Store important papers in fire-proof containers above flooding levels.  A sealed zip-lock inside a freezer is a good back-up if a fire-proof box is not available.  

Keep protection and repair materials (sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting) on hand; with advance notice, you can rapidly board up windows and create some protection from floodwaters.  Alternatively, you would be able to make quick repairs after a severe storm.  Keep them above flood levels.

Secure belongings to prevent them from floating away.  The power of water is no joke; you don't wanna see your patio furniture floating down the road.

Contact an insurance agent to discuss flood insurance coverage.  Flood damages are not covered under normal homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and there is a waiting period before it takes effect.

If you are driving at the time, follow the Turn Around Don't Drown™ Safety Tips

  • Driving around barricades is illegal and dangerous.
  • Do not let children play near storm drains or washes after a heavy rain.
  • Avoid low-water crossings.
  • Avoid camping in a wash or in the bottom of a canyon with steep side slopes.
  • Be especially cautious at night. Flood dangers are much more difficult to see in the dark.
  • Even a less serious urban flood can be dangerous. Driving too fast through standing water can cause a car to hydroplane. The best defense is to slow down or pull well off the road (with the lights off) for a few minutes to wait out heavy rains.
  • Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast.
  • Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
  • Do not camp or park a vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
  • If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
  • Roadbeds may be washed out under floodwaters. Never drive through flooded roadways.
  • If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
  • If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
  • As little as ten inches of water can float average-sized cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks. Strength of the flow is the critical force.
  • When in doubt, wait it out, or find a safer route.

Back