                          

                          FLOODS AND FLASH FLOODS SAFETY

Prolonged rainfall can cause a river, stream or other waterway to overflow its
banks.  This slow-rising flood can take several days before the flooding
begins.  Flash floods are rapidly developing floods that can happen with little
or no warning after na intense rainfall, a severe thunderstorm, or a dam, levee
or dike breaks.

Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding.
Floods can happen anytime during the year, such as after winter snowmelts,
spring thunderstorms, and fall hurricanes.

What Noah didn't tell us...

Noah had plenty of time to prepare for his flood.  And even though it rained
for 40 days and 40 nights, he and his family were able to survive because of
his wise preparation.  Another type of flood that comes swiftly and usually
with little warning is the flash flood.  Flash floods can occur in or near
mountainous areas, on small streams and even in large cities.  Water levels can
suddenly rise in heavy rainstorms, leaving little time before small streams,
desert-washes and drainage ditches become raging rivers.  Sometimes a flash
flood can unleash its deadly force in just a few minutes.

                          SAFETY TIPS

                    BE READY BEFORE THE FLOOD

1.  Know your area's flood risks.  If you're not certain the local National
    Weather Service office, Red Cross chapter, or Emergency Management Agency.

2.  If you live in an area that could flood,  find out if flood insurance is
    available.

3.  Keep insurance policies, documents, and valuables in a safe-deposit box.

4.  Prepare a family evacuation plan.  Do a practice run through once a year.

5.  Prepare instructions on how to turn off utilities.

6.  Watch The Weather Channel or listen to your local radio to keep track of
     weather patterns and know the risks and hazards as they develop.  Flash
     Flooding can happen quickly so you'll want to pay attention during heavy
     rain events in your area.

7.  Keep your car's gas tank filled.  Floods can cut power and knock out
    your station''s ability to pump gas.

8.  Keep first aid supplies available.

9.  Keep a portable radio, flashlight, and portable food supplies that don't
     require refrigeration available.  The power could be cut off for days.

                    DURING A FLOOD WARNING

A flood WARNING means flooding is occuring or will occur soon.  If a flood
WARNING is issued for your area, go to safety.

1.  Listen to local TV and radio stations for vital information.

2.  Be careful moving furniture and valuable to higher ground.  Rushing to
    move things can lead to injury and heart attack.  Have someone help you.
    Certainly save your life and family first before your things.

3.  Turn off your utilities as best you can if your home is likely to be
    flooded.

4.  Evacuate if you are told to do so.

5.  Don't cross barricades that are there to protect you from the flood waters.

6.  Don't drive, walk or wade in flood waters.  Keep your children away from
    the flood waters due to disease and the threat of getting washed away.



                  DURING A FLASH FLOOD WATCH

A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.  If a flash
flood WATCH is issued for your country or parish, get set.

1.  Stay tuned to TV and radio for vital local information.

2.  Keep alert for signs of flash flooding, such as intense rainfall or rising
    waters.  If you suspect flooding has started, GO TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY.
    DON'T WAIT!


                  DURING A FLASH FLOOD WARNING

A flash flood WARNING means you may have only seconds to escape.  A flash flood
can happen so rapidly that you may NOT get a warning.  If a flash flood WARNING
is issued for your county, parish, or town GO TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY.

1.  Leave low-lying areas immediately.

2.  If you are driving in a desert or canyon area and you encounter a flash
    flood, get out of your car and climb to higher ground immediately.  Don't
    get swept away by the flood.  Don't try to outrun a flash flood in your
    car.  Climb to safety immediately.

3.  Stay away from storm drains and irrigation ditches.  You could easily get
    swept into one by the fast moving water.

4.  Don't ever approach and drive on flood waters covering roads or bridges.
    The water has a force far greater than the power than you might think.  It
    only takes a few feet of rushing water to sweep your car away or tip it
    over.  Also, the roadway may have washed out and the rushing water may be
    deeper than you think.

                AFTER THE FLOOD OR FLASH FLOOD

1.  Throw out and start fresh with any food stufffs that have come into contact
    with flood waters.  Also, any food that hasn't been able to hold in
    refrigeration.

2.  Tests drinking water for potability.  Water lines and wells could be
    spoiled by muddy flood waters full of depris and sewer making them
    dangerous to drink.

3.  Be careful with live electrical equipment and gas stoves.  Both may be we
    or damaged resulting in an explosion or electrical discharge.  Have all
    utilities checked by proper authorities.

4.  Report damaged utilities and power lines to be fixed.

5.  Ensure the weather threat that caused the flooding is over.  More flooding
    could occur in on-going heavy rain weather event.


Source: The American Red Cross & NOAA
