Flood Safety Awareness Week - Day 5
FRIDAY - March 21, 2008
Flood Safety Awareness Week Concludes Today.
Today’s topic is Preparedness and Safety
Flash floods and floods are the NUMBER ONE cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms in the United States, claiming more than 100 fatalities each year.
Flooding also causes more damage in the United States than any other weather-related event, with an average of 4.6 billion dollars a year.
In Colorado, floods and flash floods have accounted for 315 fatalities since 1920. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Drivers should remember that two feet of water will cause most vehicles to float. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.
Sources of Weather Information…
All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio is one of the best ways to receive forecasts, watches, and warnings from NOAA’s National Weather Service. All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information, including flood warnings and flash flood warnings.
Also, the National Weather Service webpage at www.weather.gov/ahps will identify where flooding is occurring.
The following are some basic safety rules…
- Before venturing into flood prone areas, monitor All-Hazards NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite news source for vital weather information.
- If you find yourself in an area where flooding is occurring, move to higher ground away from areas subject to flooding.
- Avoid areas already flooded and do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Never allow children to play around high water, storm drains, viaducts, or arroyos.
- In a vehicle, do not drive around barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Instead, "TURN AROUND…DON’T DROWN"!
- And NEVER drive through flooded roadways, as the road bed under the flood waters may be washed out. Instead, "TURN AROUND…DON’T DROWN"!
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes if there is a threat of flooding. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Safety rules specific to slot canyons and rugged terrain include the following.
- Check in at visitor centers or contact stations to obtain permits.
- Become familiar with the terrain and know your escape routes.
- Be aware that deadly flash flood waters can travel from many miles away with travel times of 10 hours or more.
- Always let someone know your itinerary before venturing out.
For more information about the dangers of floods and flash floods…check out the National Flood Safety Awareness Week web page at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov
Thank you for visiting our web site to learn about Flood Safety! For more information, click the links below:
Wednesday: Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Thursday: Encouragement to Buy Flood Insurance
Friday: Flood Preparedness and Safety
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