Community Corner

April Showers, More Than A Drop In The Bucket

Emergency officials urge residents to prepare for floods this spring.

Luckily with Tuesday night’s strong thunderstorms no flooding was reported in Forsyth County, but that doesn’t mean it could not happen at some point.

Floods are the most common severe weather emergency and the number two weather-related killer in the nation, according to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security.

The National Weather Service reports more deaths occur from flooding than any other form of severe weather, and half of these deaths result from vehicles being swept downstream. As little as six inches of water can cause a driver to lose control of a car.

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“Flooding can be extremely dangerous and costly, but just a few minutes of preparation can make you and your family much safer,” said Lisa Janak, spokesperson for GEMA. “Do you know the at-risk areas for flooding around your home? Do you have a kit with emergency supplies ready? These are the things you need to ask yourself to be prepared.”

Research from GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign found that nearly 80 percent of Georgians are not fully prepared for a disaster.

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

Prepare for Flooding

  • Know your area's flood risk – if unsure, call your local emergency management agency.
  • Create an emergency supplies kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
  • Reduce potential flood damage by raising your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
  • Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is designed to provide reasonable flood insurance in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. The program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is available in hundreds of participating Georgia communities. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.

Plan to Evacuate

  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank.  If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.
  • Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

Stay Informed about Flooding

  • If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
  • Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
  • Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.
  • Never drive through standing water. It only takes two feet of water to float a full-sized automobile. 
  • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
  • Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and seek higher ground.
  • Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
  • Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after floodwaters recede, roads and bridges may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.


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