Community Corner

Flood Safety Day, Severe Weather Awareness Week Wraps Up

Prepare your family for flood emergencies.

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.

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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.

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“Seven people lost their lives in our county during the 2009 floods,” said Jason Milhollin, Emergency Management Director for Douglas County. “Most of them were swept off the roads while driving through heavy rain.”

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.

“Had they been better informed about the weather and at-risk areas near their homes, most could have avoided danger,” Milhollin said.

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.

 

*National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


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