It’s that time of the year again where we need to begin thinking about flood season. As any snow on the ground begins to melt, the ground will become more saturated. If we experience a late season snowstorm followed by very high temperatures, rapid snow melt can also cause rivers and streams to begin to flood as they rise out of their banks. Any springtime rains would only exacerbate the situation. In addition, excessive spring rains and summertime thunderstorms can produce flash flooding. Of course not every year brings about a bad flood season; however, now is the time to be reminding ourselves of the risks that flooding poses to life and property and now is the time to be reviewing crucial safety tips so that we are all well prepared for whatever this year’s season dishes up! For additional information on the hazards that flooding often brings, please check out: http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov.
Also remember that this time of year as ice breaks up in rivers it can begin to accumulate and restrict the flow of streams. This can also lead to localized flooding. There’s a great video of a remarkable ice jam that occurred on the Gallatin River on Christmas Day.
Important Flooding Safety Tips: There are ways of being proactive even well before flooding occurs. Having a plan in place well ahead of time rather than making last minute impulsive decisions will definitely help ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
1) Have a discussion with your family that includes an evacuation plan. If you are all on the same page about what you will do when faced with a flooding situation, you are all likely to execute your plans smoothly and safely, rather than scrambling at the last minute over what to do.
2) Consider carrying flood insurance on your home.
In addition to being prepared in advance, it is also equally critical to keep in mind some tips just in case you are caught in a flood situation. Here are some useful suggestions.
1) Have a way to receive the latest emergency information such as listening to your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio.
2) If you are asked to evacuate, and it is safe to do so, follow your evacuation plan mentioned above.
3) Keep handy a food survival kit that includes non-perishable food items, important medications, maps, a battery-operated flashlight and a first aid kit.
4) Most importantly remember to adhere to the NWS’s message of “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Often times many people misjudge how much water is on the roadway. The water may very well be deeper than it appears to be. In addition to losing control of your vehicle, you never know what you might not be able to see in the water such as downed power lines and other hazards. It is far better to just play it safe and find an alternative route to your destination. It takes less than 2 feet of water to pick up a car and take it downstream!
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