The two key
elements to flooding are rainfall intensity and duration. Intensity is
the rate of rainfall. Duration is how long the rain lasts.
Rivers, bayous, and
streams may overflow their channels and banks. Streets and areas which
are normally dry may be submerged. Flooding can be brief, or last for an
extended period of time. Rivers and streams can flood areas downstream
where there may not have been any particularly heavy rainfall. Storms
may continue to develop and travel across the same area repeatedly,
causing localized flooding. A single slow moving storm cell may produce
very local street flooding in a short period of time, when other areas
only a few miles away have no rain at all!
When a Flood WATCH is Issued...
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Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to relocate on a moment's notice.
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Fill your car's gas tank, in case relocation becomes necessary.
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Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. If you think flooding has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!AFTER A FLOOD...
- Be wary of wild animals and watch out for snakes even in urban areas...and watch out for the fire ants!
- If fresh food has come into contact with flood waters, throw it out.
- Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.
- Seek medical attention if you are injured and flood waters contaminate the injury.
- Contact Greater Houston Red Cross for emergency shelter, food, and clothing.
- Be wary of electrical equipment and wiring after a flood.
- Contact your electrical power provider and/or electrician prior to restoring electrical service to flood damaged property.
- Report any unusual odors to the authorities.
- Call your city Health Department for any health related issues.
Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home
Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home. It will tell you:
- How to enter your home safely.
- How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.
- How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.
- How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.
- How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.
Repairing Your Flooded Home is available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency manager.
