Flooding is a coast-to-coast year-round threat. In the U.S., flooding cost an average of $4.6 billion a year. More deaths occur from flooding than any other severe weather-related hazard. Of all flood fatalities, more than 50% are vehicle-related as a result of people trapped in vehicles swept downstream. This occurs when victims attempt to drive through the flooded area.
The second highest percentage of flood-related deaths is the result of individuals walking into flood waters. Although these areas are often marked to warn individuals about flooding, victims ignore the signage and attempt to walk through the area. In the majority of these cases, which are preventable, individuals all too often underestimate the force and power of water and drive or walk into harm's way.
Flooding can happen after days of prolonged and intense rainfall or a flash flood can occur within hours of a rain event due to rapidly rising water along a stream or in a low-lying area. Flash floods can move boulders and other large objects, uprooting trees and destroying buildings and bridges. These floods occur suddenly and often without warning; most often catching people off-guard and unprepared. When you hear the word “flash” think “urgent” and act accordingly.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) (www.nws.noaa.gov) and FEMA have partnered to designate March 12 - 16, as Flood Safety Awareness Week in an effort to bring about public awareness of ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property. NOAA suggests the following flood safety tips to protect you and your family should a flood occur:
- A Flood/Flash Flood Watch means flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. A Flood/Flash Flood Warning means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
- Leave areas subject to flooding and seek higher ground.
- Avoid underpasses, underground parking garages, and basements during or after heavy rains.
- Turn Around, Don't Drown (TADD) (www.nws.noaa.gov/floodsafety/tadd.shtml)
- DO NOT attempt to cross flowing streams.
- NEVER drive through flooded roadways – flood water may have damaged or washed away the road and six inches of water can stall a vehicle.
- If your vehicle stalls, get out and move to higher ground.
- If you come to water that’s above your ankles, stop and turn around. You can be swept off your feet by as little as six inches of rushing water.
- Develop a family evacuation plan. Make sure everyone knows what to do in case of flooding.
- Keep all family cars fueled. Stock bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit.
- For a flood safety checklist, visit American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.
People underestimate the power of water; especially rushing water.
In May of 2010, Nashville TN was hit with a devastating flood, covering the city in more than 17 inches of rainfall and causing the Cumberland River to crest at 51.86 feet (12 feet above flood stage). Nashville residents were forced to evacuate their homes, seeking shelter for their family members and pets, while having to leave all of their possessions behind.
The National Weather Service encourages all residents to take notice of the weather related threats that could occur at anytime across the country. When residents are in danger, their first instinct is to dial 9-1-1 for help. But in extreme situations, normal rescue procedures can’t always be used and it is in preparation for these types of events that citizens should take the time to plan ahead.
When the Nashville flooding began, the Nashville Emergency Communication Center received many 9-1-1 calls for assistance. Because of the rapidly increasing height of the water, in some cases higher than mailboxes and even street signs, descriptions of houses became increasingly important. If you think about it, when in an extreme situation, could you accurately describe your home? What color it is, what the roof looks like, and what materials it is made of? These are important details to make note of ahead of time. Write them down and take a picture on your phone for a record.
The Nashville flood occurred in just two days, leaving little to no time for individuals to plan their evacuation. If residents were physically able, they could evacuate themselves, but there were many citizens who needed to call for help because they had a disability or medical condition that prohibited them from leaving their home easily. It is cases like these where having as much information about that citizen as possible benefits both the responders and the citizen.
The Nashville Flood by the Numbers (courtesy of www.nashvillerecovery.com)
· Rainfall exceeded 17 inches, the highest amount in more than 140 years of recorded history. 13 inches of rain fell in 36 hours, more than doubling the previous two-day rainfall record set in 1979.
· The Cumberland River crested in Nashville at 51.86 feet, 12 feet above flood stage.
· According to Metro Planning and Metro Codes, the flood resulted in an estimated $2 billion in damages to private property.
· 11 people died as a result of the flood.
· In the year following the flood, 25,000 volunteers gave more than 330,000 service hours to recovery and rebuilding efforts.
· The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce reported 2,773 impacted businesses with 14,499 workers at the time of the flood
Watch below to see how SERVPRO responded to the 2010 Nashville Floods. Imagine what having a SERVPRO of Sarpy County Emergency Ready Profile could do for you
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