Floods and Mudslides

[AZ Prepper]

Facts About Floods and Mudslides

1. General

a. Flood waters even only a few inches deep can still sweep you off your feet.

b. Flash floods can develop into raging currents in a matter of a few minutes without warning or any visible sign of rainfall.

c. Flash floods can carry debris, mud, and rocks that are potentially dangerous.

d. Flooding can occur in small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, and lowlying ground that appear to be harmless in dry weather.

e. You do not have to live close to water to become a flood victim.

2. Types of Flood Warnings

a. Flood Watch - Flooding is possible.

b. Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible without warning. Move to higher ground.

c. Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon.

d. Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.

e. Urban and Small Stream Advisory - Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring. Stay clear of those areas.

What to do to PREPARE FOR a Flood or a Mudslide

1. Follow procedures for “General Emergency and Disaster Preparations”.

2. Consider purchasing flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area.


When You Receive a Flood Warning

1. Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to local emergency radio stations.

2. If you are officially told to evacuate, follow the instructions the authorities give you.

3. If you do not have to evacuate, fill all available containers with water. The water supply after a flood is usually contaminated.

4. Bring outdoor yard equipment indoors or tie them down. Move essential items and expensive equipment to the upper floors of your home.

5. Prepare your windows: board them up, close storm shutters, or tape a large “X” on them to help prevent them from shattering in case they break.


What to do DURING a Flood or a Mudslide

1. Remain calm! Think through the consequences of all your actions.

2. If you are indoors . . .

a. stay indoors. Your home or building can be a good deflector of water and mud if necessary.

b. go to the highest level or the roof of the building.

c. do not leave your usual locale (home, work, school, etc.) because rescue crews may come looking for you.

d. stay away from windows and all other forms of glass.

e. if deep flooding is likely, allow flood waters to flow freely into your home’s basement. Fill the basement yourself with clean water if you feel it will flood anyway. This will equalize the pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors and help prevent structural damage to your home’s foundation.

3. If your are driving a vehicle. . .

a. do not drive over flooded roads or bridges. Stay clear of swollen rivers and streams.

b. if your vehicle stalls in a flooded or a possible flood area, abandon the vehicle and head for higher ground.

4. If you are on foot outside. . .

a. head for higher ground.

b. move away from power lines and other utility wire systems.

c. stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.

d. if you must walk through a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

5. Place protective materials around your house so that they deflect on coming flood waters and debris and not dam or block them.

6. Hold on to small children and small pets. They scare easily and may try to run into dangerous areas or situations.


What to do AFTER a Flood or a Mudslide

1. Follow procedures for “General Post Emergency and Disaster Response”.

2. Do not use foods or water that may have had contact with flood waters. They may be contaminated.

3. Before entering a flood or mud damaged building, check for structural damage.

4. Stay away from flood waters.

a. They may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.

b. The water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

c. Moving water only six inches deep can knock you off your feet.

d. Wash your hands with soap & clean water if you come in contact with flood waters.

5. Be aware of where flood waters have receded. Drive only when necessary. Roads may have been weakened and may collapse under the weight of a vehicle.



This information was taken by permission from the author of, "Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response" by Kenneth Moravec. This booklet (very highly recommended) can be purchased for a very low cost by contacting the author at: Kenneth Moravec - MoravecKennethB@aol.com - (801) 492-9029