Flood Safety

Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. Ninety percent of all presidential disaster declarations involve flooding. While most floods can not be prevented, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your life and property.

Start by knowing some of the terms associated with flooding and knowing your flood risks. Also have a disaster supply kit and a battery operated NOAA Weather Radio.

A Flash Flood Watch means conditions are right for flash flooding to occur. A Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is occurring or imminent. A Flash Flood is caused by intense heavy rains over a short amount of time and leaves more water than the ground can absorb. A Flood Watch means conditions are right for a flood to occur. A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or imminent. Several factors contribute to flooding, intensity and duration. Topography, soil conditions, and ground cover also play important roles.

Another contributing factor to flooding is the amount of impervious area (i.e. parking lots, roads). About 10 % of the United States is impervious area. Fields and woodlands that once slowed and absorbed rain waters are now parking lots and roadways which allow heavy rains to drain into storm drains and sewers and eventually creeks and rivers.

Prepare yourself in advance! When a Watch is issued, and you live near an area known to flood, start taking action, don’t wait! Move to higher ground.

If you are driving, and you come to an area covered by flood waters, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown ®”.

Click Here for More Information About “Turn Around, Don’t Drown®”

Except for heat related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding than any other hazard. Why? Most people fail to realize the power of water. For example, six inches of fast-moving flood waters can sweep you off your feet.

While the number of fatalities can vary dramatically with weather conditions from year to year, the national 30-year average for flood deaths is 127. That compares with a 30-year average of 73 deaths for lightning, 65 for tornadoes and 16 for hurricanes. National Weather Service data also shows:
• Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related,
• The majority of victims are males, and
• Flood deaths affect all age groups.

Television and radio broadcast “Watches and Warnings” to broad areas. The local source for information pertaining to Anderson/Madison County is WQME 98.7 FM.

For more information on Floods and Flash Floods you can check out the following websites.

Federal Emergency Management Agency – Floods and Flash Floods Fact Sheets

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – Flood Information

American Red Cross – Flood Safety Information

Protecting Your Future

Before buying or building your home, investigate whether your home has or is subject to flooding. If your home is in a floodplain, you will be required to purchase Flood Insurance. More on Flood Insurance will be covered in the Flood Insurance section.

If your current home has been flooded, there are ways to mitigate future floods into your home.

• Elevation
• Floodproofing
• Relocation

Depending on the cause of flooding, there may be additional options.

Before a flood occurs, elevate items such as outside air conditioning units, washer & dryer, any your hot water heater. Seal vents to prevent flooding. If flooding should occur at your location, immediately shut off your electricity at the circuit breakers. This will prevent short circuiting of electrical appliances. In many cases with minor flooding, the appliances can be cleaned and put back into use again. If the power was left on in a flood, you risk being electrocuted, along with expensive repairs to short circuit appliances.

Protecting Your Present

Know your flood risks. Again, knowing the terrain and history of flooding in your neighborhood is the best information. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio and monitor it for severe weather events. Also, purchase Flood Insurance. Your Homeowners Insurance does not cover floods, and you don’t have to live in the floodplain to purchase it. Keep an inventory of your household items. This will help, should you have to file an insurance claim.

Protecting Your Past

A few simple steps now will help save your memories. Even in most severe floods, houses usually are not completely submerged.

Hang photos a little higher, if flooding is a problem in your area. If you have photos/photo albums and mementos lying around, store them in a plastic storage container. If you usually have these items sitting out on display, have an empty plastic storage container readily available, in the event of a flood.

Personal Protection

Cover all cuts and open wounds to prevent infection.
Wear boots and rubber gloves at all times during clean-up. In cases where splashing may occur, wear eye protection and a dust mask.
Open windows to provide adequate ventilation.
Make sure that all personnel involved with cleanup thoroughly wash their hands after cleanup.
Do not eat, drink or smoke during cleanup. If there is a gas leak, smoking might be the ignition source causing a fire or explosion.
Ensure those injured during cleanup receive proper medical treatment and have an up to date tetanus vaccine. Tetanus vaccines are available for free or little cost from the Madison County Health Department.

Cleanup Procedures

The most widely used method for sanitizing items affected by flood waters is household bleach. Bleach solutions of one half cup bleach to one gallon of water is the solution recommended. This will provide a sufficient strength to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogenic organisms.

Remember, time is important during the cleanup process. As long as the contaminated items remain wet, the pathogenic organisms can not become airborne. Thus, the only way these organisms can enter the body is thru cuts, splashing into mouth or mucus membranes. If the organisms are allowed to dry out, they can become airborne and cause respiratory problems. After rinsing contaminated surfaces, allow them to dry to prevent rotting and decomposition.

Flood Safety Tips

Know your flood risk. Be prepared to evacuate if your area is known to flood. Know your evacuation routes.
Keep your vehicle fueled.
Store drinking water in a safe place. Store food that requires little or no cooking or refrigeration.
Keep a disaster supply kit ready and accessible. Have first aid supplies, a NOAA Weather Radio, flashlights and extra batteries.