How to Be Prepared for Flash Flooding
Flash flooding can be common in Texas, especially during hurricane season and intense storms, particularly in areas like Houston. These storms can bring in large amounts of rain over a short period of time, causing water to accumulate and flood streets, homes, and businesses.
It's crucial to take steps to prepare for flash flooding in Texas, including understanding the risks and hazards in your area and developing a family emergency plan. Keeping an emergency kit with essential supplies on hand and ensuring important documents and valuables are safe and easily accessible can also help minimize the impact of flash flooding.
In this article, we'll cover the various things you must know to stay safe during flash flooding.
What's the Difference Between a Flood Watch and a Warning?
In order to keep up with news updates and understand situations as they develop, it's important to understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A flood watch means that conditions are favorable for flooding, while a flood warning means that flooding is already occurring or is imminent in your area.
During a flood watch, stay tuned to local news and weather updates to keep informed about the current situation. Make sure you have an emergency kit ready and consider moving valuables to a higher location in case flooding does occur.
During a flood warning, take immediate action to protect yourself and your property. Follow evacuation orders and move to higher ground if possible. Avoid driving through flooded areas and never walk through floodwaters, as they may be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.
Tips for Preparing for Flash Flooding in Texas
At Energy Texas, we care deeply about our fellow Texans' safety and well-being, especially during intense storms and hurricane seasons. Flash flooding is a serious concern that can happen suddenly and without warning. That's why we want you and your family to be prepared. Here are some tips to help keep you safe in a flash flood emergency.
Know the Risks and Hazards in Your Area
Before a flood hits, know the risks and hazards in your area. You can use resources like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center to determine if your home is in a flood zone or at risk for flash flooding.
Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Having a family emergency plan in place can help ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a flash flood. Your plan should include a communication plan, an evacuation plan, and a plan for pets and family members with special needs.
Prepare Your Home
Your home is likely your most valuable asset, and it's important to take steps to protect it from flash flooding. In addition to having an emergency plan in place, there are several things you can do to prepare your home and minimize the risk of damage. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Check your insurance coverage: Flood damage is not typically covered by homeowners insurance, so you may need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Review your insurance policy with your agent so that you understand your coverage. Elevate your home: If you live in a flood-prone area, elevating your home can help reduce the risk of flood damage. Talk to a professional about options, such as raising it on stilts or a raised foundation. Install backflow valves: Installing backflow valves can help prevent sewage backups during floods. Backflow valves allow wastewater to flow out of your home but prevent it from flowing back in. Secure outdoor items: Secure outdoor furniture, equipment, and other items that could be swept away by floodwaters. Move these items to higher ground or inside.
Build an Emergency Kit
During a flash flood, having an emergency kit ready can make all the difference. When building your emergency kit, include enough supplies for at least three days. This will give you and your family enough time to weather the storm and ensure that you have everything you need. Some essential items to include in your emergency kit are:
Water: You should aim to have at least one gallon of water per person per day and at least a three-day supply. Non-perishable food: Stock up on non-perishable items such as canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts. Make sure to include a manual can opener. First-aid kit: A basic first-aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and prescription medications. Flashlights and batteries: You may lose power during a flash flood, so it's important to have multiple flashlights with extra batteries on hand. Radio: A battery-operated or hand-crank radio will allow you to stay up-to-date on the latest weather reports and emergency instructions.
Every family's emergency kit will look a little different, so make your kit meet your needs. Keep it in a designated, easy-to-access location so you can grab it if you need to evacuate.
Keep Important Documents and Valuables Safe and Easily Accessible
In addition to building an emergency kit, it's wise to keep important documents and valuables safe during a flood. Passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, and other important paperwork should go in a waterproof storage container you can grab in a hurry. Consider making digital copies of your documents and store them in a secure cloud-based storage service to access them from anywhere if necessary. Keeping sentimental or valuable items such as family heirlooms or jewelry in a safe place can give you peace of mind knowing that your important items are protected.
What to Do During a Flash Flood
Flash floods can occur quickly and without warning, so it's important to know what to do if you find yourself in the midst of one. Stay informed about the weather in your area by listening to local news and weather reports. If you're under a flash flood watch or warning, be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Pay attention to emergency alerts - and don't wait until it's too late to take action. Here are a few other tips:
Evacuate immediately if instructed:
If local authorities tell you to evacuate, go! Don't wait until it's too late to leave.
Move to higher ground:
If you can't evacuate, move to higher ground. Stay away from rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. They can be deeper and faster than they appear and may contain debris, chemicals, or other hazardous materials.
Avoid driving through flooded areas:
Never attempt to drive through flooded areas, as you could become stranded or swept away by the water. Turn around - DON'T DROWN!
Follow instructions from emergency personnel:
If they are on the scene, follow their instructions. They are there to help keep you safe.
Report downed wires and leaks:
Be mindful of any downed wires or outages, gas leaks, and other emergencies. Always report these issues to the relevant authorities and follow their instructions.
Stay Prepared to Stay Safe
Flash floods can be incredibly dangerous and destructive, and Texans must take steps to prepare for them. By knowing the risks in your area, developing a family emergency plan, building an emergency kit, making necessary home repairs and modifications, staying informed, and following instructions from emergency personnel, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
At Energy Texas, we are committed to our customers and neighbors in our community. We understand the impact that flash floods can have, and we want to help keep you safe and prepared. Stay tuned for more information and resources on how to be ready for any emergencies such as hurricanes and tornadoes.