Spring Flooding Safety Tips

By Jane Farrell

Here, from the emergency-management experts at ready.gov, a national awareness campaign aimed at educating people about natural disasters, is what you should know about the seasonal hazard of flooding and how to protect yourself:

When spring hits, whether it’s “official” or feels like spring, many of us are eager to get out of the office and into the fresh air. However, too much rain or thawing snow after a long winter from mountains can bring severe flooding. Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Here are some things to keep in mind as the spring flood season draws near.

Never drive or walk through flooded streets. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet (and not in the romantic way) and 12 inches to move a car. Remember, if a street is flooded, Turn Around; Don’t Drown. If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number-one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.

Talk with your family and make an emergency plan for you and your pets. No matter the disaster, it’s always a good idea to have emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, cash and first aid supplies, at home, at work, and in the car.

Floods are expensive. A few inches of water in a 1,000-square foot home could cost more than $10,000 in repairs and replacement of personal possessions. Visit a data visualization website from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to learn more about the costs and impacts of floods in your state

Most insurance does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance will cover the damage from floods. Speak with your insurance agent to learn more and remember flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect, so purchase now to protect your family!

You can learn more about the dangers of flooding at Ready.gov/floods.