ONLINE DISASTER GUIDE AND RESOURCES DIRECTORY

Welcome to our natural disasters website. In this site, we have provided you with information regarding safety precautions and tips to help you get through a natural disaster if you should ever come across one. Below is an example of the type of information that can be found throughout the site.

 

 

What is a flood?

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters except fire. Most communities in the United states have experienced some kind of flooding, after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms, or winter snow thaws. A flood, by definition is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete overflow of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

–Overflow of inland or tidal waters
–Unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source
–Mudflow...

...collapse of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levers that result in a flood.

Floods can be slow, or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Mitigation includes any activities that prevent and emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in mitigation steps now, such as, engaging in floodplain management activities, constructing barriers, such as levees, and purchasing flood insurance will help reduce the amount of structural damage to your home and financial loss from building and crop damage.

What should I do during a flood?


The main things you shouldn't do during a flood are drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Another thing you shouldn't do is walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Next, you should stay away from downed power fines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek shelter in yours. A major thing you should do is buy flood insurance.

What should I do after a flood?

If your home, apartment, or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim. Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Don't go in there if there is any chance of the building collapsing. After you enter the building, don't use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas my be trapped inside. Use a flashlight instead. Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety. Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.

 

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