Flood Preparedness

	Are you Prepared for Floods and Flooding? Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Flash floods carry a deadly cargo of rocks, mud, other debris and in some instances dangerous bacteria. Floods can occur without any visible rainfall. Mudslides are another danger created by flooding.
	Be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard. Know the Terms: Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information. Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information. Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately. Urban and Small Stream Advisory - Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is occurring. Essentials Be prepared to evacuate when told to do so. Know the evacuation routes Discuss with your family what flooding is and how it may effect you. Choose an out of state contact for everyone to call to say they're OK. Get to know your neighbors strengths and limitations Identify those in your neighborhood or family who may require special assistance. Assemble a 72 hour emergency supplies kit complete with food, clothing and first aid as needed. Teach your family how to shut off water, gas and electricity to your home. If you live in flood prone areas or on top of the flood plain consider purchasing flood insurance through your state or local emergency management office. Or making flood- proofing changes to your home or office. For more information in Utah, phone 581-3400 and ask for the State Flood Plain Management Officer. National Flood Insurance is managed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Make a record of all your personal property. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings and store these records in a safe location. Keep insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from your home. During heavy rains: 1. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. 2. Listen to radio or television stations for local information. 3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly. 4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate: Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house. If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches at the main switches or valves. Do not disconnect electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Fill your car with fuel. Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first. 5. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated. 6. Don't walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving u. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. 7. Don't drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, I you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise. 8. When deep flooding is likely, permit the flood waters to flow freely into the basement of your home (or flood the basement your self with clean water, if your are sure it will be flooded anyway). This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house be equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors. Contact authorities for guidance. AFTER A FLOOD 1. Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. 2. Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. 3. Be aware of areas where e flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. 4. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company. 5. Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers. One way to help is to give money to a disaster relief organization. Do not donate food, clothing or other personal items unless they are specifically requested. 6. Continue listening to a battery powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. Out reach programs are often available to help you cope with the stress s of the situation. 7. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood water. List for news reports learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. 8. Contact your insurance agent. If your policy covers your situation, and adjusters will be assigned to visit your home. To prepare: Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home. Separate damaged and undamaged belongings Locate your financial records. Keep detailed records of cleanup costs. Information provided by Utah Office of Emergency Preparedness.

Preparing for what may confront us along the Wasatch Front

What can we expect to happen to us, living in the shadows of the everlasting hills? We live communities where we enjoy the many comforts that money and advancements have afforded us. We live in communities, which for the most part will have a good first responder system in place. Most Fire/EMS departments are now staffed by full time Fire/EMS personnel. As a Firefighter EMT myself, I appreciate living in a city with good full time Emergency personnel. However, I see danger that some may not see.

If you live in a city or area where the fire department or fire district is staffed by 6 or 8 full time firemen, you may feel safe and for the most part, you will be able to get help when help is needed. However, if you need help and others need help simultaneously, your response time may be extended or it may simply be impossible to help you. This is not because the first responders do not want to come to your aid, it may be that they simply cannot, because of strained resources. We have many examples of this today. With the risk of a possible catastrophic event on the horizon, we cannot depend on First Responders or anyone else to come to our aid. Thus, we must be prepared.

This thought process will carry over into finances, food storage, and general preparedness. I will also try to address the very important need of understanding and having the proper first aid tools available. If you have helps, comments or questions please let me know. Thanks for visiting the site.
Jonathan Johnson