This summer’s extensive flooding, particularly the flash floods that occurred in Texas Hill Country, captivated the nation and brought into focus the clear need to be prepared for all types of flooding.
While definitions vary somewhat, flash flooding is generally defined as flooding that occurs as a result of precipitation over a short period of time (typically less than 3-6 hours). While anywhere can experience them, flash floods are common in steeper, more elevated terrain or in urban areas with poor drainage. Flash floods tend to be the deadliest type of flooding since they often come on quickly and without warning. Be that as it may, there are things you and your family can do to protect yourself from flash flooding.
Preparing for a flash flood is no different than preparing for any other type of flood. The ready.gov website is an excellent resource to help you learn what to do before, during, and after a flood and other natural and man-made disasters. Before a flood, be aware of your flood risk by reviewing your community’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Be aware that even if you are not in a mapped flood zone you could still be vulnerable to flooding.
That’s why it’s so important to consider purchasing flood insurance. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage during a flood. A National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policy or private flood insurance policy can help make you whole if there are damages to your home as a result of flooding. Disaster assistance following a flood is often limited and typically only available as a loan.
Be sure to prepare a plan for your household (including pets) that everyone knows. Plan on how to exit your building safely, where to meet, and where to go before you get cut off by flood waters. Be sure to practice this plan. Store extra food, water, and medicine to sustain yourself until help can arrive. Make sure to have copies of important documents (mortgage papers, property deeds, bank information, insurance paperwork, etc.) readily available and store the originals in a secure place like a waterproof safe. Be sure to clean gutters and storm drains. Check to make sure sump pumps are operating properly and install check valves.
During a flood, evacuate immediately if you are told to do so. Never drive around barricades or through water. Turn around! Don’t drown! It only takes a few feet of water to move a car off the road. If you cannot evacuate safely and become trapped in a building, get to the highest possible spot that you can (avoid closed attics since there is a chance of getting trapped here). Go on the roof only if absolutely necessary or to signal for help.
After flood waters recede return home only when it safe to do so (authorities will give you the all-clear). Be sure to wear personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, boots) when cleaning up debris. Wear a mask if cleaning up mold. Be very cautious of standing water in a structure. Live wires could electrify the water and cause electrocution. Check with your local power utility to ensure that the power is off. Be aware that standing water after a flood is often contaminated with dangerous chemicals as well as germs that can make you sick. Only drink bottled water until you know that your well or public water supply is safe to drink.
The above are all things that an individual or a family can do to prepare for a flood. But what about communities? Ultimately, community-wide planning is necessary if a reduction in flood losses is the goal.
Reviewing FIRMs and Flood Insurance Studies (FISs) for accuracy should be step one. If the maps are old or outdated communities should work with FEMA to develop new ones. Barring that, hiring a firm to develop accurate base flood elevations (BFEs) for known areas of flooding or important locations is a possibility. Even if a stream or waterbody are in Zone X on a FIRM, they could still have potential floodplains during periods of extreme precipitation and/or runoff. Always use the best available data.
Once the risk is known then communities can begin planning. Directing development away from high hazard areas saves lives and saves money in the long run. Any losses from tax base reduction are often made up from not having to constantly repair infrastructure or send emergency services into harm’s way.
Enforcing building code and NFIP regulations is also paramount. While elevating or floodproofing a structure can be costly, it reduces the costs from flood damages in the long term. Building departments need to ensure that all proper permits are issued and that proper building materials are used during construction.
Clustering development away from hazard areas not only protects them from flood damages but preserves floodplains and the natural and beneficial functions that they provide. These types of development often command higher value because they are built in a safer location and have access and views of protected natural areas. Your community may have its own cluster development regulations, but if it does not, New York State Town Law Section 278 (Subdivision review; approval of cluster development) could be a tool that is available.
These are just some of the tools that individuals and communities can use to help protect themselves from flooding. Additional resources from organizations like NYSFSMA, the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and others can help assist with flood mitigation and planning making us all safer and more resilient.