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During recent years, flods and flash floods have caused billions of dollars in damage each year. They are among the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Even more importantly, they're the number one weather-related killer. A flood can happen anywhere as we saw last spring in Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
A Flood (commonly called River Flood) is a high flow or overflow of water from a river or similar body of water, occurring over a period of time too long to be considered a flash flood. Flooding is caused in a variety of ways. Winter of spring rains, coupled with melting snows, can fill river basins too quickly. Torrential rains from decaying hurricanes or other tropical systems can also produce river flooding. The Mississippi River Flood of 1993 was caused by repeated heavy rain from thunderstorms over a period of weeks.
Flash Floods are quick-rising floods usually occurring as the result of heavy rains over a short period of time, often only several hours or even less. They can also be caused by ice jams on rivers in ocnjunction with a winter or spring thaw, or occasionally even a dam break. The constant influx of water fuinally causes a treacherous overflow to begin; powerful enough to sweep vehicles away, roll boulders into roadways, uproot trees, level buildings and drag bridges off their piers. Most frightening is the rapidity with which the water rises.
FLOODING TIPS:
Know What To Expect
Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your American Red Cross - Utica Chapter, or emergency management office, or planning or zoning department.
-- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
-- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information.
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.
-- Consult with a professional for further information if this and other damage reduction measures can be taken.
Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop
-- A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
-- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Flash Floods Can Take Only a Few Minutes to a Few Hours to Develop
-- A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area.
-- A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon.
Prepare a Family Disaster Plan
-- Check to see if you have insurance that covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
When a Flood WATCH is Issued:
-- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
-- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
When a Flood WARNING is Issued:
-- Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible.
When a Flash Flood WATCH is Issued:
-- Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a Flash Flood WARNING is Issued:
-- Of if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
-- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades; they are there for your safety.
-- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Printed with permission from the American Red Cross, Utica Chapter.
For more information, or to find out more about Disaster Preparedness Training, call 315-733-4666.
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