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EXPERIENCE > SCIENCE TOOLS > DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES
With the exception of flash floods, flooding rarely occurs without some kind of advanced warning. Flooding is typically caused from high amounts of rain, snow or coastal storms. Flooding can also occur from tsunami, storm surges or when water control systems like dams malfunction. Most lives are endangered or lost because when these conditions arise, people do not head warnings to evacuate or deliberately enter flooded areas for some reason. Flood danger comes not just the volume of water, but from other conditions it can create. For example, flooding can contribute to landslides, cause power outages, knock down bridges and power lines, make roadways impassable, destroy buildings, kill livestock and wildlife, and help create disease.
With the exception of flash floods, flooding rarely occurs without some kind of advanced warning. Flooding is typically caused from high amounts of rain, snow or coastal storms. Flooding can also occur from tsunami, storm surges or when water control systems like dams malfunction. Most lives are endangered or lost because when these conditions arise, people do not head warnings to evacuate or deliberately enter flooded areas for some reason. Flood danger comes not just the volume of water, but from other conditions it can create. For example, flooding can contribute to landslides, cause power outages, knock down bridges and power lines, make roadways impassable, destroy buildings, kill livestock and wildlife, and help create disease.
Surviving a flood:
As with any natural disaster, being educated and prepared is key to surviving a flood. Asking some important questions — like do I live in a flood plain and what are my evacuation routes — would be key places to start. If you do, do you have a plan and supplies to evacuate quickly if needed?
If emergency services advise evacuation, take this seriously. Waiting to see if flood waters recede may actually endanger you more. Do not bypass official barricades and never attempt to swim, wade or drive through flooded area. If you're caught unaware in a flooding area, remember that the basic survival rule is the same as for a tsunami — move away and upward toward higher ground. Try to stay out of the flood waters as much as possible as they may care unseen hazards such as floating debris and raw sewage.
Await the official "all clear" before you return home and even then use caution. Receding flood waters can leave behind all kinds of debris, live electrical power lines in water and dangerous wildlife such as snakes which may enter human structures to escape the water. Check the resources below for additional information on keeping yourself and your family safe both before and after a flood.
If emergency services advise evacuation, take this seriously. Waiting to see if flood waters recede may actually endanger you more. Do not bypass official barricades and never attempt to swim, wade or drive through flooded area. If you're caught unaware in a flooding area, remember that the basic survival rule is the same as for a tsunami — move away and upward toward higher ground. Try to stay out of the flood waters as much as possible as they may care unseen hazards such as floating debris and raw sewage.
Await the official "all clear" before you return home and even then use caution. Receding flood waters can leave behind all kinds of debris, live electrical power lines in water and dangerous wildlife such as snakes which may enter human structures to escape the water. Check the resources below for additional information on keeping yourself and your family safe both before and after a flood.
Flood preparedness resources:
National Resources:
Flood Preparedness on Ready.gov
FEMA Flood Information Sheet (PDF download)
American Red Cross: Flood Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness for You Pet
National Weather Service: Flood Safety Tips and Resources
Oregon Resources:
Oregon Health Authority: Preparing for a Flood
Oregon Health Authority: Food and Water Safety After A Flood
National Weather Service: Flooding in Oregon
Flood Preparedness on Ready.gov
FEMA Flood Information Sheet (PDF download)
American Red Cross: Flood Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness: Disaster Preparedness for You Pet
National Weather Service: Flood Safety Tips and Resources
Oregon Resources:
Oregon Health Authority: Preparing for a Flood
Oregon Health Authority: Food and Water Safety After A Flood
National Weather Service: Flooding in Oregon
