Facts About Floods and How To Prepare

One of the facts about floods is they are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

There are different types of floods



Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path.

Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

What is the flood risk where I live?

Flood: Know Your Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch:
Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch:
Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning:
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning:
A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

• Make sure everyone knows the emergency phone numbers, and when to call them.
  
  
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high ground.
  
  
• Make arrangements for housing in the event you need to evacuate your home.
  
  
• Establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated by rising flood waters.
  
  
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines.

• Remember, the next flood can always be bigger than floods you have seen before.

• Learn how to use sandbags from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  
  Minimize flood damage:
  
  
  • Store valuables at higher elevations (second story, if possible).
    
    
  • Store household chemicals above flood levels.
    
    
  • Ensure that underground storage tanks are fully sealed and secure.
    
    
  • Close storm shutters and sandbag doorways.
    
    
  • Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.
    
    
  • Move vehicles and RVs to higher ground.
    
    
  • Keep emergency supplies on hand: Family Emergency Kits
    
    
  • Portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, flashlights, fresh batteries, non-perishable food and drinking water, essential medicines and a first-aid kit.
    
    
  • Consider purchasing a NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
    
    
  • Keep street drains, storm grates and flap gates free of leaves and other debris.
  
  Consider buying flood insurance to protect your property.
  
  
  • Homeowners' insurance does not cover flood loss, but most homeowners' insurance agents also sell flood insurance. Anyone can get flood insurance, even if you are located in an area not mapped as a floodplain, or even if you have never been flooded before. Learn more at FloodSmart.gov
    
    
    See the Flood Video Below:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Information on facts about floods is provided by Kingcounty.gov
    
    
    
    Next page - What to do during and after a flood
    
    
    Return to Top - Facts About Floods