FLOODS

Floods and flash floods are the leading weather-related killers in the United States after heat. In the past 30 years, floods have accounted for nearly double the fatalities as lightning. Flooding in West Virginia is a serious problem. Twenty-seven people have been killed in the last 10 years in floods and flash floods, six in 2001 alone.

There are three types of flooding in West Virginia:

General Riverine Flooding occurs after long-term heavy rain, snow melt, or a combination of the two. It usually occurs slowly, allowing more time to move people and property to safety.

Flash Flooding is always life threatening and occurs very quickly as the name implies. Flash flooding typically occurs in hilly or mountainous areas, but can occur anywhere when heavy rain falls in a short period of time. Flash flooding can also be caused by a dam failure.

Urban and Small Stream Flooding is a more subtle flood threat. It can occur when heavy rain falls in an urban or rural area, resulting in flooding streets, underpasses, or drainage ditches in an urban area, or creeks in rural areas. It is not normally a threat unless motorists drive through the flooded road or children playing flooded drainage ditches. Small stream flooding can be hazardous if persons get too close to a swollen creek.

Most flood-related deaths occur when people attempt to walk or drive into a flooded area. Many flood-related deaths also occur at night, when it is difficult to recognize the dangers of a water-covered road.

Trucks and four-wheel drive vehicles are also susceptible to being swept away by high water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing they can drive through high water. This belief results in numerous deaths or emergency rescues of motorists in vehicles either stuck in or swept away by flood waters.

One only has to look at the past history of West Virginia to realize that flooding plays a dubious role in the lives of the citizens of this state.

Jefferson County Project Impact believes that fatalities can be greatly reduced by increasing public awareness of the dangers involved in floods and flash floods. Here are some tips for flood safety:

Never attempt to drive into a flooded roadway. It only takes about two feet of water to float most cars.

Even in the vehicle in front of you successfully crossed a water-covered road, it is best to find an alternative route or to wait. If you get stuck, you are not only risking your own life, but the lives of rescue personnel.

Of the 27 deaths due to flooding in West Virginia in the past 10 years, 12 have been the result of driving vehicles through a flooded roadway.

If you live in a low-lying area or near a creek, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events. Water rises rapidly during flash floods, often taking victims by surprise. Be prepared to move quickly to higher ground if water levels begin rising rapidly.

Remember that 6 inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down.

Never let children play near creeks or storm drains. Every year, deaths or injuries occur as a result of people getting swept into a creek or storm drain, with the most frequent victims being children.

If you are camping, never set up your tent or camper right on the bank of a river or a creek. It is best to allow some distance and elevation between your campsite and the creek, so if a flash flood does occur, you will have more time to move to higher ground.

If your home is located in a floodplain, you need to take additional precautions.

Do you know your risk? Look at local flood plain maps if you don’t know if your home is in a flood plain or not. Is your home above the base flood elevation for the property on which it sits?

Do you have adequate flood insurance on your home? Even if you have elevated or otherwise taken steps to protect your home in a floodplain, you still need flood insurance. Regular homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, so you will probably need to purchase a separate policy under the National Flood Insurance Program. It takes 30 days for a flood policy to take effect. This is why your need to purchase flood insurance before flooding occurs. Contact your insurance agent for additional information. There is Renter’s flood insurance, as well.

Is your main electric switchbox located above potential flood waters?

Are electric outlets and switches located above potential flood waters?

Are the washer and dryer above potential flood waters?

Are the furnace and water heater above potential flood waters?

If you have a fuel tank, is it anchored securely?

Does your flood drain have a float plug?

Does the sewer system have a backflow valve?

If you would like additional information on Flooding, Flood Tips, Flood Safety, Flood Insurance, or protecting your home from flood damages, or if you would like to have a speaker for your organization’s next meeting, please CONTACT US