Protect Yourself During a Flash Flood

Flash flooding can cause major problems for drivers, pedestrians, and homeowners. Flash floods are mainly caused by large amounts of rain fall over a period of time. A Flash flood can form in several minutes, several hours, and even over several days. This type of flooding is extremely dangerous because it is hard to predict. As reported by the National Weather Service, flash flooding is the leading cause of weather related injury and death. More than 150 people are killed on average each year by flash floods and of those deaths 50% are vehicle related. Learn what signs to look out for when it comes to flash flooding so you can keep yourself safe.

Often flash floods are accompanied by slow moving thunderstorms and create a possibility of triggering other hazards like mud sildes, electrocution, drowning, and other injury. Flash floods may also be accompanied by severe weather including hail storms, excessive rain fall, lightning, and severe wind gusts. Weather of this nature can be catostrophic for drivers because flash floods can instantly wash out roadways and impair visibility on the road. Of the 50% of people killed in flash floods inside their vehicles more than 60% of the time it was because the vehicle stalled in deep water and the occupants could not escape safely. Of those people killed, the National Weather Service estimates about 58% are male between the ages of 22 and 49. In the event of flash flooding you should always seek higher ground and stay indoors. It is best not to drive until the water subsides because conditions on the road could be dangerous.

If you are caught driving during a flash flood stay inside your vehicle and seek higher ground. Your vehicle will provide protection from elements of weather like lightning that can be dangerous. A steady downpour can flood streets, homes, garages, and basements in minutes. Sewers may temporarily back up and swell, flights and trains may be suspended or delayed, roadways may be closed because they are unpassable, and flash floods can carry away people and vehicles. Flash floods can disrupt the flow of traffic for hours and may return over a period of several days. Low lying areas are more prone to flash flooding but it can happen anywhere, at any time if the proper conditions exist. Power outages may also be a concern during flash flooding. Although flash flooding is mainly caused by heavy rains it can also be caused by melting snow and/or swelling rivers and streams.

You should always pay attention to weather alerts and warnings, especially if it has been raining for several hours or days. Radio and television stations broadcast national weather warnings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are concerned about the weather in your area you can find real time alerts on the National Weather Service website at http://www.nws.noaa.gov. Flash flooding is generally part of a bigger weather system that may last for several days. Once the flood waters subside all danger is not clear. There may be the possibility of continued flooding and severe weather.

If you are stuck on the road during a flash flood you just have to be patient. Heavy rain and standing water can make a real mess out of the roads so you will want to allow for extra travel time. Drive carefully when there is water on the road and maintain appropriate speeds. If you hit a large puddle or washed out section of water in the roadway at a high speed you may cause an accident, possibly hurting yourself and others. Never attempt to drive through water that is covering the roadway. It may be deeper than you realize and if the engine stalls you may find yourself in serious trouble. Water up to the middle of your tires is enough to stall the engine in most passenger vehicles. If your vehicle stalls abandon it and seek higher ground. It is best to avoid driving through water because that's usually when the trouble starts. About 100 people are killed each year inside their vehicles during flash floods.

If you must abandon your vehicle do not attempt to cross moving water alone. Call for help and have someone throw you a rope or hold out a pole or stick for you to grab onto. People are swept away in flash floods because they attempt to cross deep water without assistance and fall down or get pulled down by the current. Flash flood waters can move very fast with intense power and can sweep even large vehicles away like toys. It is important to stay out of flood waters, especially if they are deep because they may be contaminated by sewage and strewn with debris. Not only is there a potential for injury but contaminated water can cause skin infections and other illnesses. Flood waters may also contain some rodents and snakes that were washed from their homes during the storm so be aware of your surroundings.

Flash floods also have the potential of contaminating drinking water and you may not want to use your tap for a couple of days. After a flash flood do not drink your tap water for up to two days. It is alright to use for washing clothes and flushing toilets but do not bathe children in the water or drink it. Most municpalities will let you know if the water is not safe to drink, but as a precaution you should wait a couple of days for the systems to clear out. If the area you live in is prone to flooding you may want to plan ahead by making sure you have a place to stay should you have to evacuate. When a flash flood watch is issued you should move valuables like paperwork and photographs out of your basement or garage and store them in an elevated area.

Flash flood waters can rise quickly to heights of 3-4 feet and in severe cases may even rise to more than 8 feet. If your home is flooded it is important to get rid of most things touched by flood waters. Not cleaning up after a flash flood could be detrimental to your health and the health of your family. Wooden utensils that were touched by flood waters should be thrown away, as well as porous plastics and rubbers like spatulas and bottle nipples. Wet paper, cardboard, or other materials should be removed from the home and water should be pumped out slowly. Make sure your home is dry and clean after a flash flood to avoid mildew and mold that could be possibly dangerous to your health.

If your vehicle was damaged during a flash flood your insurance may cover it, but it also may not. Check with your provider and read your vehciles policy to find out what the limitations are on flood insurance. You can hire a professional to clean and detail the interior of your car if it was damaged. Get several repair estimates if your car suffered mechanical or body damage and give them to your insurer. If your policy covers flood damage you may be able to save some money on sprucing up your car after a flood.

Flash floods are a danger to anyone living in the United States because they occur in every state. Organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Red Cross respond to serious flash flood emergencies in every state. In the event of a flash flood in your area work with law enforcement and emergency services, and pay attention to all weather alerts to stay safe. After a flash flood stay away from areas where the road may have been washed out, power lines are down, or where any other related danger exists. By being smart and following these tips you can keep yourself safe during a flash flood.