When disaster strikes, you may have only seconds to make decisions that will affect your family’s safety. As a general estimate, it is said that approximately 75 people die from floods each year. Flash floods are among the most dangerous types of floods, since they appear suddenly and without warning. If a flash flood strikes while you are inside your home, there are several tips you should follow in order to maximize your chances of survival.
What Defines a Flash Flood?
To understand why flash floods are so dangerous, it is important to first understand how flash floods are different from normal floods. By definition, a flash flood is a large amount of above-ground water that results when the ground becomes excessively saturated by water. This above-ground water accumulates at such a rapid rate, that runoff from this excess water collects in low-lying areas. This creates a torrent of moving water which can strike with little or no warning. This is unlike normal flooding, which usually accumulates gradually enough that it can be predicted farther in advance.
When do Flash Floods Occur?
In most cases, a flash flood will occur during weather conditions that involve rapid accumulation of rainfall or excess moisture. It is common for flash floods to occur during the spring months, when the ground is still too frozen to absorb excess water from heavy rainfall.
What should I do during a flash flood?
If you are trapped in your home during a flash flood, there are several simple things you can remember in order to improve your chances of survival.
1. Stay Calm.
Despite the seriousness of your situation, it is essential that you don’t panic. This is especially important if you are trying to help keep other family members calm.
2. Have a Plan Ready.
The best way to ensure that you don’t panic during a flash flood is to have a pre-organized plan. If there is no high ground that is within a safe distance of your home, you may have to simply try to move yourself and other family members to the highest point of your home. Though it’s recommended that you move to the roof, if you can not do so safely, try to instead stay in an attic or top floor. However, be sure that this floor has a roof access point that you can use if the situation becomes too dangerous. Many of the people that die during floods in their homes become trapped due to not having a way to escape the area that is flooding.
3. Be Prepared.
It’s best to have a ‘Family Disaster Kit’ ready just in case of emergencies such as flash floods. This should include medical supplies, a three-day supply of food and water, a waterproof battery-powered radio, a flashlight, candles and luminescent glow sticks. If you wish, you can also stock enough life vests for all members of your family, in case your entire area becomes completely submerged.
When to Leave your Home
In general, it’s highly recommended that you leave your home if it is inside the projected flash flood zone, and search for higher ground. Since a flash flood can strike without warning, do not try to save your personal possessions. Take only essential items such as certified documents, your emergency kit, and warm clothes. However, if you are trapped inside your home with no time to find higher ground, you can follow the steps above to help to ensure your chances of surviving a flash flood.
Related posts:
- Flood Protection Floods can cause as much damage as burglars. If you...
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
regardless of how a flood occurs, the rule for being safe is simple: head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine. The most dangerous thing you can do is to try walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Develop a Family Disaster Plan and learn about your area’s flood risk and elevation above flood stage.