You’re trapped inside your home due to the heavy rain outside. No one can see what’s going on in the streets because of the torrential downpour. You begin hearing thunder, but it only lasts for a few seconds before everything returns to normal. What exactly is a flash flood, and what should you do?
Understanding what to do to keep safe during a flash flood is critical. For the sake of this blog article, we will explain what to do in case of a flash flood. We will also explain what safety precautions you can take after the storm has passed.
What Causes a Flash Flood?
The word “flash” refers to the fact that these floods are over in a relatively short time—typically lasting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The volume of water involved in such incidents is referred to as a “flood.”
A flash flood occurs when rain falls so quickly that it cannot soak into the earth before reaching streams and rivers. As a result, they can move fast and carry away everything they encounter. In some situations, people can be caught on the road without warning signs, which can happen in minutes.
A Comparison of Flash Floods and Regular Floods
A flash flood, unlike a flood, does not include the flow of large amounts of water across the land. Instead, it involves modest amounts of fast-flowing water rushing down hillsides and ravines, usually due to heavy rain. These flows are typically slow and do not reach river level. However, slight changes in stream bed elevation can significantly increase downstream flow rates.
What is the frequency of flash floods?
Flash floods are a regular hazard in many places in Queensland and can occur suddenly during periods of heavy rainfall. It frequently occurs after thunderstorms or tropical cyclones, although it can also be seen in other circumstances, such as when a dam fails.
Because the soil does not absorb much water, flash floods occur more frequently where there is minimal vegetation. It’s also harsher if farming has recently been done in the area. Flooding in urban areas is common for a short period.
How Perilous Are Sudden Downpours?
Beware of sudden floods; they can cause serious damage. In fact, with roughly 200 deaths per year, they are the largest cause of weather-related deaths in Australia. Vehicles are responsible for more than half of these fatalities.
Prepare Your House for a Flash Flood
By making your property less vulnerable to flooding, you can lessen your chances of being harmed by a flash flood. Among these measures are:
– Installing a sump pump removes excess water from basements and foundations. They operate best when installed near the basement’s lowest point.
– Raising floors above grade level – Raising floors above grade level allows water to drain away instead of accumulating against foundation walls.
– Clearing vegetation around building structures – Trees growing within 10 feet of buildings are more likely to break under heavy winds and falling debris. Shrub and bush trimming limits the surface area available for water discharge. Planting wind-resistant trees is also a wise idea.
– Upkeep of drainage systems – Drainage pipes must be kept clean and unclogged at all times. Every few years, empty catchment tanks. Rainfall is collected in catchments and directed to sewers via underground pipe networks.
– Get flood insurance or renew your existing coverage. Insurance policies rarely cover flooding, so be sure you are covered before a flood occurs.
The Proper Response to a Flash Flood Warning
If you have a flash flood warning, you should start preparing for the possibility of flooding. A flash flood watch indicates that factors are suitable for a flood. Here are some things you may take to prepare for a flash flood warning.
– Inspect your property regularly. Get to safety quickly if you observe any signs of rising water. Please only put it off at the last minute!
– Gather disaster supplies, such as a flashlight and extra batteries.
– Positioning sandbags around the outer walls. Sandbags placed along external wall surfaces serve as dams, keeping flood waters at bay.
– Secure or store loose goods in your yard, such as patio furniture.
– Transfer precious items to higher floors of your home.
– Unplug electrical appliances, but do not touch them if wet.
Tips for Responding to a Flash Flood Warning
If the National Weather Service or a local weather station issues a flash flood warning, you should act quickly. You can safeguard yourself, your family, and your house against flood damage. A flash flood warning indicates that flooding is occurring or will occur soon in the area.
Stay inside with doors closed and away from outside walls and high locations during a flash flood warning. Turn off all electrical and gas appliances. Elevators should only be used when necessary. Avoid travelling through flooded areas and plan ahead of time for severe rains.
If you must be outside, move to higher ground and avoid rivers, creeks, streams, and storm drains. Even a few inches of moving water might knock you off your feet. If you’re driving, avoid bridges that span flowing water. Water overflowing onto land is extremely dangerous, especially if you are trapped outside.
When a flash flood warning has expired, check local news reports and radio stations for more information about what occurred.
Emergency Response to a Sudden Flood
After a flash flood, you must contact your insurance carrier to explain the situation. Take caution with electrical equipment and ensure that everything is checked and dry before resuming usage. If you have experienced a flash flood, contact a water damage specialist, such as Reztor Restoration, to decide what steps should be taken next.
