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Article Series: Hurricanes
Hurricane Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols
Survive
Inland Flooding From A Hurricane
Whenever there are pictures of impending hurricane
landfalls, reporters very often show photos of bending palm
trees that are accosted by the high winds which are part and
parcel of the beginning phases of the hurricane when it comes
ashore. Quite often the reporters will also report on the increase
in rainfall as the winds are beginning to pick up. It has been
estimated that nine out of ten fatalities associated with the
storm surge and are in fact due to drowning deaths of those
who were either swept inland by surge, or later on dragged
out to sea by it.
In addition, other fatalities are associated with the tornadoes
that are quite often spawned by hurricanes. What makes these
twisters so insidious is the fact that it is impossible to
predict which hurricanes will actually cause tornadoes and
which will not. Yet among those who track the many by-products
of hurricanes, the phenomenon of inland flooding is quite often
the most devastating.
Inland
flooding has become a familiar term for most in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina. You probably remember the photos
of homes that were up to their roofs in water, even though
they were miles and miles inland. Those who keep records of
hurricane deaths have reported that the 1999 Hurricane Floyd
caused 56 fatalities, 50 of which were directly related to
drowning deaths because of inland flooding. It is a sobering
reality that surviving the storm surge, the tornadoes, and
even the high winds will still not guarantee survival of a
hurricane because of this deadliest of by-products.
There are of course a number
of things you can do to better
your odds of survival.
First and foremost, purchase
flood insurance. If there is
any chance that your neighborhood may be in a flood zone, you
should protect your biggest investment well ahead of any hurricane.
As hurricane season approaches, pack
your memorabilia and other items you cannot replace – such as photos, autographs,
and favorite books – into water right containers and store
them in your attic.
Be aware of what is going on. Have a battery-powered
radio on your person, as well as plenty of back up batteries. Have
a survival pack ready, which carries flares, some medical supplies,
and also food, but also drinking water and soap.
If you live in an area where flooding is a grim reality, make
sure you have plenty of sandbags and other items on hand to
see if you can protect your home during the worst phase of
the disaster.
Make
an evacuation plan. If you have storm drains, rivers,
or other bodies of water near your home, keep in mind that
they will swell up to raging rivers in no time and may cut
off your evacuation attempt, unless you have an alternate route.
If you are urged to vacate your home to get to higher ground,
do not hesitate! Many of the deaths associated with inland
flooding could be avoided simply by getting out in time.
If you find that you are cut off by flooding water, resist
the temptation to simply walk across it. It takes less than
eight inches of fast running water to sweep a person away,
and even if you are a good swimmer, you might soon find yourself
in over your head.
If you are in your vehicle, do not cross flooding waters either.
As little as six inches can cause your car to become buoyant
and float down with the water which will increase in speed
and may very well cost you your life.
Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2007
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