Flooding

Description
Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters - except fire. Floods can be slow or fast rising and generally develop over a period of days.

Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. Flash floods occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes.

In the United States, an average of 100 people lose their lives in floods annually, with flood damage averaging more than $2 billion. The Midwest's "Great Flood of 1993" cost 48 lives and more than $12 billion. Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the United States.

Flood Safety

Before the flood:

• Find out if you live in a flood-prone area.
• Plan and practice an evacuation route.
• Have disaster supplies on hand.
• Develop an emergency communications plan.
• Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program.

During the flood:

• Stay informed. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Avoid walking through floodwater. Water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
• Do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
• Watch out for fire hazards.

After the flood:

• Take care of yourself first.
• Dry out your home.
• Restore the utilities.
• Clean up.
• Rebuild and flood proof.
• Prepare for the next flood.

Protect yourself from the next flood with flood insurance, a flood response plan and community flood protection programs.

For more information:

• American Red Cross information on flood and flash flood safety.
• Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association promotes sound floodplain management practices and the natural and cultural benefits of the floodplain.
• Are you ready? has terms and tips for what to do before, during and after a flood.
• National Flood Insurance Program, has information about the NFIP program.
• Floods...The Awesome Power