How to Survive a Flood

Contributor

By Amy Kniss
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (23 Ratings)

Driving Dangers Increase on Flooded Streets

Floods cause more damage and deaths each year than any other natural disaster, according to National Weather Service statistics. Recent flooding in the southeast illustrates the catastrophic devastation Mother Nature rains down.

Urban dwellers rarely consider weather woes more than an annoyance, yet the buildings, parking lots, roads and expansive concrete surfaces actually increase the risk for flash floods in these densely populated areas. Less exposed soil in these areas also makes it more difficult to absorb rainfall; the runoff increases the potential for a flash flood. Ill equipped to deal with the water flow during heavy and prolonged storms, runoff drains overflow and cause flooding in city streets, homes and businesses.

If you want to survive a flood, you need to prepare for it. Keep reading to see how you can avoid being swept away in 6 inches of water--and protect yourself and loved ones during a flood.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Flood insurance
Information about weather conditions
Evacuation plan
Knowledge of flood risks for your area

Step 1

High flood risk areas often require separate flood insurance.

Prepare in advance; this is the best way to ensure that you survive a flood. Create a disaster plan for your family in advance of any immediate threat. At a minimum, this should include an exit plan and meeting location known to all members of your family. You should also make sure you have proper insurance. Areas at high risk for floods often require home owners to purchase separate flood insurance, because basic home insurance policies don't normally cover flood damage in these areas.
Step 2

Determine the flood risk for your area. You can contact a number of agencies for this information. Most of them are listed in the "Emergency Contact" section at the front of your local phone book, including: American Red Cross, your city's Department of Emergency Management or Preparedness, the city’s zoning office, as well as police and fire departments in your area. If it has been raining steadily for hours, keep abreast of flood alerts or warnings by tuning in to local radio and TV news.
Step 3

Remain informed about the situation. When you hear a news report of a flood "watch" in your area, it signifies the possibility of a flood. A flood "warning" indicates that a flood is imminent in your area, if it is not already in progress.
Step 4

Flooded streets make evacuation nearly impossible.

Locate high ground and go there when you see water rising or learn of flood conditions upstream. If instructed by authorities to evacuate, only use one vehicle; this will prevent getting separated from family members and reduce traffic jams.
Step 5

Never attempt to cross a flooded street, especially when it is barricaded.

Obey barricades and stay clear of moving water that is more than a few inches deep, and avoid crossing a road covered in water.
Step 6

Abandon stalled vheicles.

Abandon a stalled vehicle and take refuge on higher ground. It's important to check with your car insurance carrier to see if floods are covered in your policy. Almost half of all flash flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. When you see a flooded roadway, turn your vehicle around and drive toward higher ground.
Step 7

Take advantage of resources like the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. This branch of the National Weather Service provides advanced river and flood forecasting services and comprehensive water information as it relates to floods. This includes real-time flood maps and flood forecasts. It also provides "enhanced flash flood decision assistance tools." Listening to NOAA Weather Radio is another way to make sure you are getting the most up-to-date weather information during a flood or other natural disaster.

Comments

askapeach said

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on 9/30/2009 Great information with lots of useful ideas. We just experienced the flooding in Georgia and everyone should take note of your advice whether they are in a flood plain or not.