Protecting your home and community

Monday Flood Safety – Preparedness and Awareness

Photo of a flooded McDonalds

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Nearly every day, flooding happens somewhere in the United States or its territories.

Flooding is the 2nd  leading cause of weather related fatalities in the U.S. (behind heat). On average, flooding claims the lives of 89 people each year.

Most of these deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Many other lives are lost when people walk into flood waters. This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it is moving. The good news is most flooding deaths are preventable with the right knowledge. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult.

A measuring tape

Photo Credit: “Their”

Only eighteen inches of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs. It is impossible to tell the exact depth of water covering a roadway or the condition of the road below the water. This is especially true at night when your vision is more limited. It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway, or path, follow this simple rule: Turn Around Don’t Drown.

Flooding can occur in any of the fifty states or U.S. territories at any time of the year. It causes more damage in the United States than any other weather related event. On average, floods cause eight billion dollars in damages and eighty nine fatalities annually. Being prepared and knowing how to stay safe will help you and your loved ones survive a flood. Prepare: Knowing your flood risk is the best way to prepare for flooding. Find out which flooding hazards impact your state at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/map.shtml.

You can also find out if you live in a flood plain by visiting our partners at FEMA at https://msc.fema.gov.

There are many tips for what to do before, during and after a flood on the newly redesigned Flood Safety Website at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.

A photo of a sinking Alton, IL grain elevator

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Click here for more information on the TADD program. For flood safety tips, visit our newly redesigned website .

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