Residents Urged to Beware of Flash Flooding
Hurricane Omar may produce dangerous conditions
Release Date: October 15, 2008
Release Number: 1798-020
» More Information on Puerto Rico Severe Storms and Flooding
SAN JUAN, PR -- As Hurricane Omar looms, disaster officials strongly encourage Puerto Rico residents to beware of flash flooding. Since the ground is already saturated from severe storms and flooding from September 21 - October 3, the likelihood of flooding - especially flash floods - is very high.
All Puerto Rico residents should take steps to prepare their homes and families for possible damages from Hurricane Omar. Substantial amounts of rain can lead to flash flooding, landslides, and debris flows. Follow these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:
- Stay alert. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, portable, battery-powered radio or television for warnings of intense rainfall. Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall when the terrain is already saturated.
- If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so. Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous. If you remain at home, move to a second story if possible. Staying out of the path of a landslide or debris flow. Stay safe.
- Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate a sudden rise in the river. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Move away, moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.
- If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don't delay! Save yourself, not your belongings.
- Be especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.
For more information on preparing your family for disasters, go to www.ready.gov (English) or www.listo.gov (Spanish).
FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 16-Oct-2008 00:52:33