Plan and Respond to the Flood Threat

Flood Planning

One of the most frequent and costly disasters in the U.S., flooding occurs in every state. The average flood damage caused in the U.S. from 2000-2008 was approximately $16.5 billion a year. Protecting your property, personal health and safety is just as important after a flood occurs as it is to do during the incident. In winter and early spring, it is especially important to understand the health threats associated with exposure to cold weather and cold water.

Floods frequently occur in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam, but even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding. Flash floods are particularly dangerous, carrying heavy objects that wreak havoc on anything in their path. Regardless of where you live, it's important to be prepared. Even a shallow depth of fast-moving flood water produces more force than most people imagine, so take steps to keep dry and stay safe.

Business continuity planning for floods:

• Have flood insurance and ensure the information that would be needed to make a claim is easily accessible from offsite.
  
• Know evacuation routes from the office and communicate these to staff during flood awareness trainings.
  
• Install non-return valves on toilets and drains.
  
• Have an up-to-date business continuity plan that contains important phone numbers and strategies for continuing business if the workplace is unavailable.
  
• If possible, install electrical outlets above flood level.
  
• Avoid storing valuable unused equipment in basements.
  
• Establish a nearby high ground for staff to use to park during a flood warning. 

What to do when a flood happens:

• Fill your tubs, sinks, and any available containers with water for cleaning and hygiene as water may become contaminated.
• Do not eat any food that has come into contact with floodwater.
• Move valuables to upper areas of the building.
• Board up windows and glass doors.
• If instructed, turn off your power and gas.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If you haven't evacuated and water is rising inside your building, move to higher regions such as the second floor, attic, or roof. If waters rise to the roof, stay there - don't try to swim to safety. Rescue workers will look for you.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with floodwater. It can carry sewage, chemical waste and other toxic substances.
• Do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches can sweep you off your feet. Two feet can carry away a car. If you have to walk through a lower level of water use a stick to test areas for firmness before stepping forward.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Water carries electrical current.
• Look out for animals -- especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too.

People waiting to be rescued after floods caused by Hurricane Katrina; August 30, 2005. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino, courtesy of FEMA.

Links:

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration provides Fact Sheets & QuickCards, Disaster Recovery Operations, Public Service Announcements, Safety and Health Guides, Safety and Health Information Bulletins and Training Programs.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides flood maps, flood terms, and steps for what to do before, during, and after a flood.

The National Flood Insurance Program is a program put in place by FEMA to help dispel the myth that people and businesses in flood-prone areas cannot buy flood insurance.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information on worker safety, health and safety concerns, and emergency preparedness and response.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service keeps up to date on the Automated Flood Warning System (AFWS).

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service's Flood Watch tracks floods in cities all across the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Labor provides information and resources on flood recovery assistance.

Dartmouth University's Flood Observatory uses orbital remote sensing to detect, measure, and map river discharge and river flooding.

USGS Water Watch provides flood information from the U.S. Geological Survey.

NOVA Online: Flood! includes flood information from the Public Broadcasting System program NOVA.

Flood Safety includes over 200 pages of information about flood safety, recent historical floods, and numerous video clips.