Local radio and television is also good source of information if it’s available. Rather than repeatedly checking your phone for warnings, you can use a weather radio to keep you safe and updated on your area’s weather forecasts. It’s also extremely difficult to judge depth.įlash floods are fast and lethal, so preparing for them is essential to avoid injury and damage to property. Flood waters may look calm on the surface, but they may be hiding fast-moving water below. Turn around, don’t drown! Never drive through flooded areas.If necessary, move to the roof of the vehicle until help arrives. The vehicle itself will at least provide protection from debris in the water. If you are caught in floodwaters, stay in the vehicle as long as possible. Stay in your vehicle if you’re caught in floodwaters.Still water on the surface also may hide swift currents underneath. Avoid contact with floodwaters if you can. Flood waters can be mixed with all kinds of substances from the road and ground, including sewage. To prevent water damage to your valuables, move them to the higher points in your house. Flash floods pose a risk to you and your family, and your home. Move valuables to higher areas of the house.Although a flash flood watch only indicates the likelihood of a flash flood, check weather forecasts using a weather radio or your mobile device to stay informed about developing weather conditions and wireless emergency alerts (WEA). Find an alternate route on higher ground to get to your destination. Floods occur most frequently in areas where runoff collects. Identify safe evacuation routes and avoid flood prone roads. If a flash flood forces you to evacuate your home, you will need a action plan. Make a plan and prepare an emergency kit.Follow these three tips when a flash flood watch or warning is issued: In some cases, a flash flood watch may be upgraded to a flash flood warning and require you to move to higher ground. Image Credit: michelmond - Flood Safety TipsĪfter a flash flood watch is issued, take preventive measures to keep your family safe and protect your home. We will talk a little more about this in the next section. The most important thing you can do is to stay where you are and wait the storm out. There are a few common sense things to follow in a flash flood that will protect you from harm. This is why we recommend you develop a plan ahead of time so you know what to do if a flash flood occurs. Flash floods travel rapidly through low-lying areas, so there is little time to devise an effective plan. You must take action right away to protect your life and property. What is a Flash Flood Warning?Ī flash flood warning means a flash flood is imminent or occurring. It is a good idea to keep an eye on media broadcasts so that you can take action the moment a warning is issued. These are broadcasted over local radio, TV, and NOAA weather radio stations. Issuing a flash flood watch provides critical information to locals to take steps to ensure their safety and minimize damages. The National Weather Service issues flash flood watches to give residents living in those areas extra time to prepare. Top 10 Lists Our Top 10 lists count down the warmest, wettest, and snowiest places around, and explain what drives the weather in these locales.
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