Floods: Before, During and After
Contributed by Provi Sharpe, Director of Emergency Management and Equipment Reuse
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.
The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips and guidelines –
- “About Flood” offers information on what a flood/flash flood watch is and what a flood/flash flood warning is.
- “How to Prepare for a Flood” offers tips help you plan for a possible evacuation.
- “Responding Appropriately During a Flood” offers guidelines on how to safely evacuate during a flood.
- “Flood Recovery Tips” offers instructions on how to safely clean up after a flood. Follow this link to these articles.
Did you know that homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage? For information on flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.
Do you know how you’ll inform your loved ones that you’re safe if your community experiences a flood? The American Red Cross offers the Safe and Well website. This central website allows you to register your current status. Your loved ones can then visit the website and access that information. You can also call 866-GET-INFO (866-438-4636) to register yourself and your family.
