FEMA and KDEM Urge Flood Awareness
Release Date: March 11, 2008
Release Number: 1741-008
» More Information on Kansas Severe Winter Storms
TOPEKA, Kan. -- Floods, especially flash foods, kill more people each year than any other weather phenomenon. The National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management Association, and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management are reminding residents about the dangers of Floods, during Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week March 10 - 14, 2008.
Numerous severe thunderstorms caused millions of dollars in damage to property and crops by producing damaging winds and large hail. Flooding and flash flooding was widespread in Kansas last year and caused millions of dollars in damage to private property and infrastructure.
People often underestimate the force and power of water. As little as six inches of fast moving water can sweep you off your feet and 18 to 24 inches of water is enough to float a car and carry it away. About 60 percent of all flood deaths result from people trying to cross flooded roads in vehicles when the moving water sweeps them away.
In addition to using caution when approaching flooded roadways, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information about how to protect yourself and your property from flooding. FEMA publications provide helpful information about what to do before, during and after a flood in order to decrease the toll such disasters take on lives and property.
You can order these publications by calling 1-800-480-2520, or you can download or order copies from the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov. Many publications are available in Spanish and other languages.
These resources provide information on topics such as:
- Flood Prep and Safety (F-684). Important tips about how to prepare for a flood.
- Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting (F-312). Describes six ways to protect a residence from flooding, including information on technical and financial assistance.
- Repairing Your Flooded Home (F-234). Step-by-step guidance for repairing flooded property.
- Why You Need Flood Insurance (F-683), and Your Homeowner's Insurance Doesn't Cover Floods (F-061). Provides information about the Federal Flood Insurance Program, which is the only coverage available for flood damage to property.
- After Disaster Strikes: How to Recover Financially from a Natural Disaster (F-292). Information about how to protect against the financial consequences of a disaster.
Materials can also be ordered through regular mail by sending a request to: FEMA Distribution Center, P.O. Box 2012 8231, Stayton Drive, Jessup, Maryland 20794-2012.
Additional information can be accessed via the internet at www.FloodSmart.gov, www.Fema.gov, and at www.KSReady.gov.FEMA coordinates the federal government's 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: Tuesday, 11-Mar-2008 20:22:11