Floods are the most common natural disaster. Some floods develop over a period of several days, but a flash flood can cause raging waters in just a few minutes.
Mudflows are another danger triggered by flooding that can bury villages without warning, especially in mountainous regions.
Everyone is at risk from floods and flash floods, even in areas that seem harmless in dry weather. Always listen to the radio or TV to hear the latest updates. Some other types of radios are the NOAA Weather Radio and Environment Canada Weatheradio with battery backup and tone-alert feature that alert you when a Watch or Warning has been issued.
BEFORE A FLOOD (OR HEAVY RAIN):
Prepare – Review some Flood Mitigation tips
Learn the buzzwords – Learn the terms / words used with floods…
- Flood watch – flooding is possible
- Flash flood watch – flash flooding is possible so move to higher ground if in a low-lying area
- Flood warning – flooding is occurring or will occur soon so listen to radio or TV for updates or evacuation alerts
- Flash flood warning – flash flood is occurring so seek higher ground on foot immediately
- Urban and Small Stream Advisory – flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring
Learn risks – Ask local emergency management office if your property is a flood-prone or high-risk area and what you can do to reduce risks to your property and home. Find out what official flood warning signals are and what to do when you hear them. Ask if there are dams or levees nearby and if they could be hazards.
Be ready to evacuate – Listen to local authorities and leave if you are told to evacuate.
Make a plan – Develop a Family Emergency Plan and Disaster Supplies Kit. And download Iowa Conservation and Preservation Consortium’s “Flood Recovery Booklet” to learn how to dry materials like artwork, books, photographs, etc. at www.iowaconserveandpreserve.org
Learn to shut off – Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves — and ask local utilities for instructions.
Get insurance…? – Talk to your agent and find out more about the National Flood Insurance Program or visit www.FloodSmart.gov
Did you know…
- you can buy federal flood insurance through most major insurance companies and licensed agents?!
- you do not have to own a home to have flood insurance as long as your community participates in the NFIP?!
- NFIP offers coverage even in flood-prone areas and offers basement and below ground level coverage?!
Put it on film/chip/drive – Either videotape or take pictures of home and personal belongings and store them in a safe place with important papers.
DURING A FLOOD (OR HEAVY RAIN):
Be aware – Listen to local news and watch for flash floods especially if near streams, drainage channels, and areas known to flood. Be prepared to fill and place sandbags in areas as instructed to help combat rising waters.
Get to higher ground – If in a low-lying area, move to higher ground.
Prepare to evacuate – Review some evacuation tips, and IF time also…
- Secure home and move important items to upper floors.
- Turn off utilities at main switches or valves if instructed by authorities and DO NOT touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water!
- Fill up your car with fuel.
Obey warnings – If road signs, barricades, or cones are placed in areas – DO NOT drive around them! Find another way or you may get fined.
Things to avoid:
- moving water – 6 inches (15 cm) of moving water can knock you off your feet and 2 ft (0.6 m) can float a car
- flooding car – if flood waters rise around your car, get out and move to higher ground if you can do it safely
- bad weather – leave early enough so you’re not trapped
- flooded areas – roadways and bridges may be washed-out
- downed power lines – extremely dangerous in floods!!
AFTER A FLOOD (OR HEAVY RAIN):
Things to avoid:
- flood waters – avoid since they may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage or may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines – local authorities will say when it’s okay to return
- moving water – 6 inches (15 cm) can knock you off your feet and 2 ft (0.6 m) can float a car
- flooded areas – roadways and bridges may be washed-out
- downed power lines – extremely dangerous and report them to the power company
Obey warnings – If road signs, barricades, or cones are placed in areas – OBEY THEM! Most areas fine people who ignore posted warnings. DO NOT drive around barricades… find another way to get there!
Strange critters – Watch out for snakes and other wildlife in areas that were flooded. Don’t try to care for a wounded critter since it may try to attack you… call your local animal control office or animal shelter.
Flooded food – Throw away food that has come into contact with flood waters since eating it can make you sick.
Drinking water – Wait for officials to advise when water is safe to drink. If you have a well that gets contaminated, find another source or boil water.
Wash your hands – Wash hands often with clean water and soap since flood waters are dirty and full of germs!
Use bleach – The best thing to use for cleaning up flooded areas is household bleach since it helps kill germs.
Sandbags – If any sandbags come into contact with floodwaters, wear rubber gloves when removing them and follow officials’ instructions on where to discard them since they’re most likely contaminated.
Listen – Continue listening to radio or TV for updates on weather and tips on getting assistance for housing, clothing, food, etc.
Insurance – Call your insurance agent or representative to discuss claims.
Mold – Consider asking a restoration professional to inspect your house for mold and visit www.epa.gov/mold for flood cleanup tips.
Above extracted from our book called IT’S A DISASTER! …and what are YOU gonna do about it?
Additional resources:
Flood mitigation and safety resources
Information and tips about NOAA Weather Radios
Landslide and debris flow safety tips
Tips and resources about disaster declarations, response, assistance and recovery
Posted by itsadisaster 
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