Flash Flooding Safety Tips

Do you know what to do if you see water crossing over a roadway?

Flash floods and floods are the #1 weather-related killer with around 140 deaths recorded in the U.S each year.

Before the flood - What YOU can do:

  • Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage.
  • Do your local streams or rivers flood easily? If so, be prepared to move to a place of safety. Know your evacuation routes.
  • Keep your automobile fueled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs and in various containers. Water service may be interrupted.
  • Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration; electric power may be interrupted.
  • Keep first aid supplies on hand.
  • Keep a NOAA Weather Radio, a battery-powered portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order.
  • Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: first aid kit, canned food and can opener, bottled water, rubber boots, rubber gloves, NOAA Weather Radio, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

Before the flood - What your COMMUNITY can do:

  • Assist hospitals and other operations which are critically affected by power failure by arranging for auxiliary power supplies.
  • River/rainfall readings are valuable to local emergency management agencies (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in assessing flood conditions and taking appropriate actions. Advanced warning provided by early detection is critical to saving lives. Automatic flood detection systems are available commercially for flood-prone communities. Contact your local NWS office or emergency management agency for further information on Local Flood Warning Systems.

NOAA Radio

Stay informed about the storm by listening to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest flash flood/flood WATCHES, WARNINGS, and ADVISORIES.

NOAA weather radio is the best means to receive warnings from the national weather service. the national weather service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts that can be received by NOAA Weather Radios sold in many stores. The average range is 40 miles, depending on topography. Your National Weather Service recommends purchasing a radio that has both a battery backup and a tone-alert feature which automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.

What to Listen For:

  • FLASH FLOOD OR FLOOD WATCH: Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated WATCH area-be alert
  • FLASH FLOOD OR FLOOD WARNING: Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent-take necessary precautions at once.
  • URBAN AND SMALL STREAM ADVISORY: Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains, is occurring
  • FLASH FLOOD OR FLOOD STATEMENT: Follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event

Take Action!

When a flash flood WATCH is issued-Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a flash flood WARNING is issued for your area, or the moment you realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may have only SECONDS!

Find Safety

  • Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
  • Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
  • If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roadways!
  • If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Remember, it's better to be wet than dead!
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
  • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

When you receive a FLOOD WARNING:

  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
  • Continue monitoring NOAA Weather Radio, television, or emergency broadcast station for information.

During the flood:

  • Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
  • If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
  • Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
  • Children should NEVER play around high water, storm drains, viaducts, or arroyos.

After the flood:

  • If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.
  • Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority.
  • Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter, and first aid are available from the Red Cross.
  • Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
  • Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
  • Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches or matches, to examine buildings. Flammable gases may be inside.
  • Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.

FLASH FLOOD SAFETY RULES

  • WHEN INSIDE:
    • If ordered to evacuate or if rising water is threatening, leave immediately and get to higher ground!
  • IF CAUGHT OUTDOORS:
    • Go to higher ground immediately! Avoid small rivers or streams, low spots, canyons, dry riverbeds, etc.
    • Do not try to walk through flowing water more than ankle deep!
    • Do not allow children to play around streams, drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains, or other flooded areas!
  • IF IN A VEHICLE:
    • DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS! Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding are due to people driving through flooded areas. Water only one foot deep can displace 1500 lbs! Two feet of water can EASILY carry most automobiles! Roadways concealed by floodwaters may not be intact.

Historical Floods

Dam Break
 May 31, 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania ... the worst flood in United States history ... 36-40 ft. wall of water... 2,200 dead.

River Flood
 December 1991/January 1992 south-central Texas ... widespread river flooding on the Guadalupe, Brazos, Trinity and Colorado River Basins ... up to 17 inches of rain ... 15 dead ... damages $100M.

Flash Flood Events
 June 14, 1990 -- Shadyside, Ohio ... 4 inches of rain in less than 2 hours produced a 30-foot high wall of water ... 26 dead ... damages $6-8M.

August 1, 1985 -- Cheyenne, Wyoming ... 6 inches of rain in 3 hours ... 12 dead ... damages $61 M.

June 9, 1972 -- Black Hills ... Rapid City, SD ... 15 inches of rain in 5 hours ... 238 fatalities ... $1.64M in damages