Flood Preparedness IQ

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Water runs off steeper ground very rapidly, causing natural drainage systems to overflow with rushing flood waters and a deadly cargo of rocks, mud, smashed trees and other debris. Mudslides are also a danger created by flood conditions. In 1995 and 1996, Last spring and earlier this year, Idaho experienced a variety of these conditions, and the upcoming spring has the potential of producing flood related disasters in much of the state. Snowpack in many areas of the state already stands at over 200% of normal and several weeks remain in the winter moisture precipitation cycle..

Remember - even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that may appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

Wherever you live, be aware of potential flooding hazards. If you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam, you must be prepared for floods.

What to do before a flood

1. Know the terms used to describe flooding conditions, which will be broadcast on radio and television.
   • Flood forecasts means rainfall is heavy enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks or melting snow is mixing with rainfall to produce similar effects.

   • Flood warnings or forecasts of impending floods describe the affected river, lake or tidewater, the severity of flooding will begin.

   • Flash flood watches mean heavy rains (that may cause sudden flash flooding in specified areas) are occurring or expected to occur. Understand that a flash flood can occur without any visible sign of rainfall in your area. Be alert to a possible emergency which will require immediate action.

   • Flash flood warnings mean flash flooding is occurring or imminent along certain streams and designated areas. Move to high ground immediately.

   Also contact your local emergency management, civil defense or disaster preparedness office to learn local warning signals: know who will issue the warnings, when, how and under what circumstances they will be given and how you should respond.

2. Keep a stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers. Electric power, gas and water services may be disrupted.

3. Keep a portable, battery-operated radio and flashlights in working order; stock extra batteries. Have first aid supplies and any medicines your family may need.

4. Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and what the average flood depths in your community are.
   • You may need to store materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber to protect your house from flood waters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm.

   • Contact your insurance agent, community planner or local emergency manager for information.

5. Identify dams in your area. Be aware of what could happen if they fail. Become familiar with local emergency action plans.

6. Learn your community's flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground. In a flash flood you may need to seek high ground on foot quickly.

7. Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and dams so that you will know if the flood elevations forecasted will affect your home and property. Call you local emergency management office for help.

8. Contact your insurance agent or local government to discuss flood insurance coverage. Flood losses are not covered under homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in most communities through the National Flood Insurance Program. Get coverage now - there is a waiting period, usually five days, before it takes effect.

What to do during or after heavy rains

1. In heavy rains, be aware especially of flash floods. If you see any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

2. If you live where it might flood, prepare to evacuate and to seek shelter.

3. Listen to radio and television for information and instructions from you local government and emergency managers.

4. If local authorities release flood warnings:
   • Fill your bathtub with water to ensure that you have an uncontaminated supply in case services are cut off.

5. Put sandbags or other protection in place, based on anticipated flood depths.
   • Do not stack sandbags against the outside walls of your house to keep water out of your basement. Stack sandbags away from house walls, to prevent flood waters from reaching your home.

   • When deep flooding is likely, it is better to permit the flood waters to flow freely into the basement (or flood the basement yourself with clean water, if you are sure it will be flooded anyway). This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house by equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors.

6. If you are advised to evacuate:
   • Secure your home before leaving. If you have time and have not received other instructions from local authorities, bring outdoor belongings - such as garbage cans, garden equipment and furniture - inside the house or tie them down securely. Move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of your house; lock doors and windows.

   • If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch any electrical equipment if you are standing in water.

   • Make sure you have enough fuel in your car (during emergencies, filling stations may not be operating. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not try to find shortcuts on your own; they may be blocked.

   • Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads. Be alert for washed-out roadways and bridges; many roads parallel streams and other drainage channels and may be swept away or covered by flood waters.

   • Tell others where you are going.

7. If you must travel during heavy rains or floods:
   • Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon it and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.

   • Watch for and avoid mud slides, broken sewers or water mains, loose or downed electrical wires and falling or fallen objects. Stay away from streams and drainage channels during and after rainstorms, especially in areas known to flood. Watch out for areas where rivers or streams may flood suddenly.

   • Under no circumstances should you try to swim or dive into the water. The currents are deadly!

   • Stay away from flooded areas - even if it seems safe, the water may still be rising. Never try to cross a flooding stream on foot.

What to do after a flood

1. Do not visit disaster areas, until authorized to do so. Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede.

2. If you have flood insurance and suffer a loss, notify your agent.

3. Tune in to radio and television for advice and instructions on where to obtain medical care and where to get assistance for such necessities as housing, clothes and food. Outreach programs will help you cope with the stress of the situation.

4. Do not enter your home if flood waters are over the first floor; you cannot tell whether the building is safe to enter.

5. Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights (not oil or gas lanterns or torches) to examine buildings.

6. Flooding may have swollen doors tight. When the entrance must be forced because of swollen doors, accumulated mud or bulged floors, try to enter through a window or other opening.

7. Check with local civil defense or emergency management authorities before using any water for drinking. Water sources are often contaminated by the flood. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested by authorities before drinking.

8. Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.

9. Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Have an expert check all equipment before returning it to service.

10. Ask the gas company to check you home for leaks and to turn the gas back on.