Flood; how about know? Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Did you know about flood?
But despite their frequency, there are many misconceptions about where and when floods occur and how flood insurance program. Here we will look at six common myths about flooding.
MY HOUSE IS NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE, SO I AM NOT AT RISK.
Even properties not in flood zones may be at risk of flooding. That’s because anywhere it can be flooded, says FEMA. More than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties in low- or moderate-risk zones.
FLASH FLOODS ONLY HAPPEN NEAR RIVERS OR STREAMS.
While flash floods commonly occur near rivers or streams, other areas are at risk. Densely populated urban areas, for example, may be at risk of flash flooding, notes the
National Severe Storms Laboratory * (NSSL). Urban areas contain more impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and houses, which decrease the amount of land capable of absorbing rainwater, thus increasing stormwater runoff. Areas near dams may also be at risk, as dam failures can cause flash flood conditions, the NSSL says. A breach in the dam sends a sudden wall of water downward.
THE RISK OF FLOODING DISAPPEARS DURING THE WINTER.
Flooding can occur during the winter season due to melting ice and ice jams, says the National Weather Service * (NWS). As spring approaches, a sudden rise in temperature or heavy rain can quickly melt snow and cause flooding. An ice jam occurs when sudden warm temperatures cause ice formations along rivers or streams to break off. When these ice chunks are transported along a river current, they can accumulate near a bridge or other structures and block the normal flow of water.* says the NWS. An ice jam can cause flooding upstream due to water retention. Or the ice jam can suddenly break off and release water that causes flooding downstream.
YOU CAN DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATER IF IT’S NOT TOO DEEP.
The NWS says that it takes 12 inches of water to drag your car or make it float quickly. The agency also warns that it can be challenging to measure the depth of floodwaters; It may be more profound than it seems. Another reason to avoid driving through flood water is that it can hide additional hazards, such as a washed-out road, sharp debris, or power lines, notes the NWS. Remember the NWS slogan: Turn around, don’t drown *.
IT IS SAFE TO WALK THROUGH FLOODWATERS.
Don’t underestimate the power of fast-moving water. According to the NWS, just 6 inches of floodwater can cause an adult to fall. Flood water can also be contaminated by sewage or chemicals and hide other debris that can cause injury. If you do have to enter the water, remember to wear rubber boots, gloves, and other protective gear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
IF MY HOUSE STARTS TO FLOOD, I SHOULD TRY TO LEAVE.
It would help if you didn’t try to walk or drive through flood water, says Ready.gov. Remember that it only takes 6 inches of water to knock you over or 12 inches to drag your car. If your home begins to flood and you cannot evacuate safely, immediately find and climb to a higher level of your home. When doing so, avoid confined spaces, such as attics, as you could be trapped by rising water, Ready.gov warns. As a last resort, go up to the roof and call for help.
Conclusion
Regarding flooding, remember that it can happen anywhere and anytime. It’s a good idea to plan an evacuation route and put together an emergency kit so you and your family can be more prepared if a flood occurs.