Severe Weather Awareness Week Wraps Up With Flood Safety

Floods are the most common severe weather emergency and the number two weather-related killer in the U.S. according to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security. (*excessive heat is number one)

Following spring rains or heavy thunderstorms, many communities in Georgia experience some kind of flooding. Floods can be slow or fast rising and generally develop over a period of days.

Flash floods are also deadly--occurring with little or no warning with the potential to reach full peak in only a few minutes. Flash floods result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period.

Communities located in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam are particularly at risked. Some of the worst flooding events are caused by dam failures.

In September 2009 floods wrecked havoc in Georgia causing $500 million worth of extensive damage to homes and business and claiming the lives of 10 people.

“Neighborhoods located in low-lying areas are especially at risk for flooding. Those near bodies of water or downstream from a dam are vulnerable too,” said DeKalb County Public Safety Director William Miller.

GEMA reports more than half of flood victims are in vehicles swept away by moving water, and just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down.

Here are some tips on how to prepare, plan and stay informed about floods:

Know What to Expect

• Know your area's flood risk. If unsure, call the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) office or the Planning and Zoning department. 
• If it has rained hard for several hours or rained steadily for several days, prepare for the possibility of flooding. 
• Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information. 

Reduce Potential Flood Damage

• Raise your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded. 
• Consult a professional for further information about damage reduction measures that you can implement. 

Floods Can Take Several Hours or Days to Develop

• A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area. 
• A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. 

Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes or a Few Hours to Develop 

• A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area. 
• A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. 

Prepare a Family Disaster Plan 

• Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, get flood insurance immediately. 
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. 

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Canned food and non-electric can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person per day
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members
• Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.) 
• Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places -- a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.

When a Flood WATCH is Issued 

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home
• Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued

When a Flood WARNING is Issued 

• Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for the latest weather forecasts.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately! 

When a Flash Flood WATCH is Issued 

• Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.

When a Flash Flood WARNING is Issued 

• If you think flooding has begun, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly! 
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Do not drive through or around barricades . . . they are there for your safety. 
• If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. 

For more information about safety during floods and flash floods, contact DEMA at 770-270-0413 or DEMA@dekalbcountyga.gov or visit www.gema.ga.gov , www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc/ or www.redcross.org.