We watched the news about the Amish family that got swept away in flood waters in Dublin, Kentucky and it really made me think that we should talk floods!
My friends at NOAA have put some great stuff together on this, and I know they are VERY concerned this year about how much flooding is expected and they want to make sure you remember to STAY OUT OF FLOOD WATER!
Below is just some of the information I got from the folks at NOAA...
Why is Flood Safety Important?
The answer is simple. Flooding is the #1 storm-related killer—not tornadoes, not severe thunderstorms, not winter storms. It ranks only behind heat waves in number of casualties for all weather events. Flooding also takes many different forms, from river flooding to flash flooding to snowmelt flooding. It occurs in any month of the year, any time of day. It is a threat in almost any place.
More than half of all flood-related deaths are drownings that result from vehicles caught in flood waters and then swept downstream. Eighty percent of all flood deaths occur when people drive into flooded roadways or simply walk through moving water. Many of these drownings are preventable if people do not drive or walk into flooded roads, sidewalks, etc. People often underestimate the force of water.
But, flooding doesn’t happen very often. That’s why it’s important to know how to find important information, how to prepare for potential flooding, where to obtain flood insurance—if it is required in your area, and general safety tips to help keep you, your family and your property safe.
Hopefully, flooding will never affect you. But if it does, we want you to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
Are Floods Dangerous?
Floods are the deadliest weather-related killer in the United States. Each year they kill more than 100 people and are responsible for $5.3 billion in damage. In addition, more than half of all flood-related deaths are drownings that result from vehicles caught in flood waters and then swept downstream. Eighty percent of all flood deaths occur when people drive into flooded roadways or simply walk through moving water. Many of these drownings are preventable if people do not drive or walk into flooded roads, sidewalks, etc. People often underestimate the force of water.
Please follow the following flood safety rules. They may help save your life.
- If flooding occurs, move to higher ground immediately. Leave areas subject to flooding. This includes dips in roads, low spots, canyons and washes.
- Do not allow children to play near high water, storm drains or ditches. Hidden dangers often lie beneath the water. In addition, the flowing floodwaters could sweep children or other people away.
- Avoid areas that are already flooded, especially if the floodwaters are flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. It only takes six inches of fast flowing water to sweep you off your feet.
- Never drive on a flooded road. Flooded roads often have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. In addition, most vehicles lose contact with the road in six inches of water and can be swept away in 18 to 24 inches of water.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams or washes, particularly when threatening weather conditions exist.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
