Heavy Rain and Flash-Flood Safety
Posted by David Zadareky on Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 at 10:21am.Heavy Rain and Flash-flood Safety
Preparation before a flood will keep you as right as rain.
By Torquil Dewar
After a prolonged dry period, flash-flooding is a serious threat to many rural and urban areas. A common misconception is that flooding usually only occurs in river or stream floodplains. This is not the case: flash-flooding can occur anywhere.
Urban areas are particularly dangerous during flash-floods. Built-up areas cannot absorb water as fast as a rural or natural area, which results in overwhelmed drainage systems and dangerously fast flowing water.
If the area you live in is prone to flooding, or if you receive a flood warning from the radio or television, make sure you have an escape route planned in advance. Keep a wind-up or battery-powered radio (and spare batteries) in your house. Go to http://www.weather.gov/nwr/Maps/ to find out more about the National Weather Service's continuous weather information broadcast.
If you have time before you leave your home, turn off all power at the mains, and disconnect all electrical appliances. Move as much as possible upstairs, and bring outdoor furniture inside to reduce the amount of floating debris. Do not touch any electrical appliance or outlet that is already wet or submerged.
Move by foot to higher ground, avoiding any moving water - even if it doesn't appear to be deep (it takes less than two feet of water to move an SUV, so it's wise not to underestimate the strength of fast-flowing water.) If you have to walk in water, do so only where the water is still, and where you can be seen and reached by others. Use a stick or other object to test the ground in front of you. Always look for downed power-lines and other electrical outlets that may be submerged - if in doubt, do not enter the water.
Once you have made it to a safe area, there are several important points to remember:
Only drink water that has been deemed safe by a local authority - flooding can cause septic tank and oil leaks, resulting in widespread water contamination.Avoid areas where floodwaters have recently receded - roads, bridges and walkways may be dangerously weakened during a flash-flood.Stay out of any building that is still surrounded by floodwater.Do not return to a flooded area until authorities have deemed it safe.When you do return to your home, thoroughly disinfect anything touched by floodwater. Sewage and chemicals can be transported by floodwater.
If you do have to leave your home, thoroughly check it's safe to re-enter before going in. Walk around the building checking for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts, do not enter. Have a qualified building inspector make sure it is safe first.
Fire Safety and Prevention during Dry Spells
Many areas are experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent history, and have been devastated by multiple wildfires. There are a few simple precautions you can take to significantly reduce the risk of fire around your home.
First and foremost, clear your property of debris. Any material that has been building up - dead branches, dead grass, trash - should be removed and disposed of safely. Do not under any circumstances burn trash or start any kind of fire.
During a drought, it is not recommended that you start any kind of outdoor fire, including grilling. Check with your local authority to find out if there is a total burn ban in your area - a common precaution during prolonged drought.
Do not store fuel near your house. Make sure you keep any combustible materials safely contained and at least fifteen feet from your residence.
Keep your lawn well-watered and maintained - dead or dry grass is extremely combustible. Your lawn can act as a barrier against fire if treated properly.
Resources:
Author info: Torquil Dewar is the owner/operator of October Custom Publishing, LLC, based in Austin, Texas.
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