Floods

FLOODING 

What is flooding?

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land which are normally dry or a covering by water of land not normally covered in water. Flooding may occur as an overflow of water from water bodies, such as a river or lake, in which water overtops or breaks levees or an accumulation of rainwater on ground. Floods can also occur in rivers when the flow rate exceeds the capacity of the river channel particularly at bends or meanders in the river. 

There are two types of floods, a flash flood and a slow-developing flood. A flash flood can develop in just a few minutes and without visible signs of rain. A slow-developing flood can take hours, even days to form with heavy rainfall.

What causes flooding?

• Dams: Dams can fail with very little warning. A dam failure can contribute to the causes of floorings. More than 2000 dams in the united states are at risk of failing.
• Heavy Rains: The excessive amount of rainfall can contribute to flooding.
• La Niña
• Levees: They can be overtopped or fail during large floods.
• New Development: It is because they lessen the land to absorb excess precipitation from heavy rainfall
• Snowmelt: It can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time.
• Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

How to prepare for flooding?

1. Evaluate the flood risk of your property
2. Insure your property.
3. Prepare a flood kit.

Waterproof Clothing, Portable Radio, First aid kit, Bottled water,Torches, Batteries, Mobile Phone, Important Documents, Tinned food, Blankets

   4. Plan an evacuation route.

   5. Prepare flood defences (sandbags)

   6. Put Items as high as possible 

   7. Listen to news update.

   8. Keep rain clothing easily available.

What to do during a flood?

• Listen to a radio or television for information
• Mover to higher ground.
• Secure your home.
• Turn off utilities such as water, electricity and gas
• Do not walk through moving water
• Do not drive through flooded area
• Evacuate when told

What to do after a flood?

• Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available.

• Avoid moving water.

• Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.

• Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.

• Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

• Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.

• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.

• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

• Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.

• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/what_causes_flooding.jsp

http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-Flooding

http://www.ready.gov/floods

 

Done by: Su-Anne 7 Kappa