Floods & Flash Floods

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know the difference between floods and flash floods?

Floods can be slow or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of days.

Flash Floods usually results from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They can occur without warning and reach full peak quickly. Communities located in low lying areas, near water or down stream from a dam are at high risk.

The following is a list of ways you can be prepared before a flooding situation occurs.

• Know your area's flood risk. If you're unsure, call your local emergency management agency, or planning and zoning department.
• Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider to see if you may need additional coverage. 
• Familiarize yourself with terms associated with a flood.
  • Flood watch:
    • Widespread flooding possible in your area
    • Be prepared to evacuate 
    • Issued when flooding is expected to occur 6 to 12 hours after rain ends.
  • Flood warning:
    • Flooding expected in your area within 6 to 12 hours
• Prepare a portable ready kit in case you have to evacuate, and plan your route in advance.
• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit box and copies in a waterproof container in your ready kit.
• Raise water heaters, electric panels, etc if they are in areas that may flood.
• Move furniture and valuables to higher floors.
• Create a communications plans and choose an external meeting place in case your family is unable to meet at home.
• Determine an out of town contact. If local lines are out of service, plan to use your mobile device.
• Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets, so it's important to find a pet friendly hotel or make other arrangements.