Good Question - Why is Flash Flooding So Destructive and Deadly?
Importance:
The recent, disastrous flash flooding in the Wheeling, West Virginia area has served to underline the fact that these types of events are possible across most parts of the U.S.
85% of all flooding events are classified as Flash Flooding with more than 1,000 of these happening every year in this country.
On average, more than 100-people are killed across the U.S. by Flash Flooding.
Definitions:
Flash Flooding is characterized as a heavy localized rainfall event resulting in a sudden, rapid rise in water levels, the duration of which can be measured in hours or even minutes.
Riverine Flooding generally happens more slowly and over a longer period of time resulting in rivers and creeks overflowing their banks.
10-Reasons Why Flash Flooding can be more deadly and damaging than Riverine Flooding.
Flash Flooding is usually characterized by the runoff water’s high speed and intensity.
Flash Flood waters have been known to reach more than 30-feet in height in narrow canyons, hollows, ravines and water channels.
Flash Flooding is the second highest weather related killer in the U.S. after heat waves.
Around 25% of Flash Flooding events occur in areas not located within recognized flood zones.
Flash Flood waters can uproot significant amounts of trees, rocks and other debris making them generally more damaging than riverine flooding.
The high velocity of flash flooding can sweep people off their feet, vehicles to float away and even structures dislodged from their foundation.
60% of flash flooding fatalities are vehicle related.
Most building related flash flooding fatalities occur in basements and first floors.
Urban areas with their high amount of of paved and concreted areas are particularly prone to flash flooding.
Flash Flooding is by no means seasonable and can happen anytime of the year.
Flash Flooding Precautions:
Identify possible flash flood prone places in your immediate work or residential area such as narrow cannons, hollows and alongside creek and streams.
Have a weather channel on mobile devices that will specifically provide mflooding alerts and updates.
Have an emergency backpack for both home and vehicle that contains several bottles of water, a first aid kit, flashlight, battery or hand crank radio, battery charger for mobile devices, a rain poncho, a multitool, non-perishable energy foods, a whistle, thermal blanket, change of cloths & shoes, along with essential hygiene products.
If there is sufficient time, disconnect the building’s utilities, an move valuable items to an upper floor or attic.
Give priority to evacuating children, the handicapped and the elderly first.
Have a prepared evacuation route from the house or building that is the most direct path to higher ground.
Do not try to walk or drive through rapidly moving water that is more than 6-inches deep.
If swept away by flash flooding, try floating on your back with feet pointing downstream so as to be able to deflect objects in your path while trying to swim to calmer water.
If caught in a vehicle with the water still rising, lower the closest window, take your cellphone and attempt to get on the roof.
Immediately after the water recedes, avoid electrical hazards, broken glass, nails, sharp metal edges and possibly contaminated water.
The intensity of damage caused by a flash flood can make search and recovery operations more difficult than from riverine flooding.
To Get Additional Information on This Topic, Contact Centurion’s Loss Control Manager, Rob Brooks at:
☎️ (606)434-0739
