Floods

When heavy or steady rain soaks the ground over several hours or days, floods may occur. Floods are one of the most common hazards in the county. Their effects can be local or affect entire parts of the state. Depending on rainfall, the level of ground saturation and the location of rivers and streams, floods may develop slowly, over a period of days. But flash floods can occur suddenly due quick-rising water along a steam or a low-lying area.

• Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA weather radio for flood warnings and reports.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash-flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• If you come upon flowing water that is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swift-moving water can sweep you off your feet.
• If you enter a flooded road when driving, turn around and go the other way. If you are caught and waters are rising around you, get out of the car and move to higher ground. Many cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Avoid areas where landslides are likely to occur. This includes canyon bottoms, bases of steep hillsides, roads and areas where slopes of hills have been excavated or over-steepened.
• Standard homeowner’s insurance often doesn’t cover flooding. Talk with your insurance agent to learn what you may need to do to be safe.