The headlines showing floods in states around the country remind us that no one is immune from this natural disaster.  According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States.  Flooding can be confined to a street or neighborhood, or impact entire regions.

Not all floods are alike. Some develop slowly, over a period of days. With modern technology, forecasters can almost pinpoint the time the water will crest in any given area.  Although we can’t prevent all property damage, with advanced warning we can save lives in the face of these slow rising floods.

Flash floods pose serious damage. Like the name implies, this type of flood can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods carry a dangerous wall of roaring water that contains rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

As with any natural disaster, you need to be aware of flood hazards.  This is especially true if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying grounds that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

The first step in flood preparedness is to understand the warning terms, and understand what precautions you need to take at any stage.

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to a weather radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Take protective measures before the water is at your door. To prepare for a flood, you should:

• If you live in a flood plain, or your home is susceptible to flooding, you can reinforce it by:
• Elevating the furnace, water heater, and electric panel
• Installing “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas that can flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

Plan for the worst case with an evacuation plan.  If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.