Where to Go During Flooding

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding is ranked as one of the most expensive and regularly occurring natural disasters. This is partly due to the cause of flooding which is vast precipitation and storms, as well as waterways and dams being full or damaged, which means all climate regions can be affected.

With the commonality of flooding, it’s important to know what to do and where to go during a flood. It doesn’t take much water to knock a person down or even move smaller vehicles and fixtures, so it’s important not to walk or drive through flooded roadways.

Firstly, if you’re aware of a flood or flash flood warning, it’s important to vacate areas that are likely to flood such as canyons, flatlands, dips, etc. It’s a good idea to get to higher ground whenever possible as early as possible for flooding to keep yourself safe.

In more direct situations of an evacuation or emergency order by authorities, you should leave promptly following any recommended evacuation routes if provided by authorities as regular routes may be closed. If, however, you are trapped by moving floodwater, go to the highest point possible and contact emergency services.

Flooding happens regularly, so it’s important to try to remember these things and keep flood insurance and an emergency kit available if you live in flood-prone areas. You can check flood records for your area online and keep in mind that if a flood happens, you need to stay safe first and assess damages second.