The two key elements to flooding are rainfall intensity and duration. Intensity is the rate of rainfall. Duration is how long the rain lasts.
Rivers, bayous, and streams may overflow their channels and banks. Streets and areas which are normally dry may be submerged. Flooding can be brief, or last for an extended period of time. Rivers and streams can flood areas downstream where there may not have been any particularly heavy rainfall. Storms may continue to develop and travel across the same area repeatedly, causing localized flooding. A single slow moving storm cell may produce very local street flooding in a short period of time, when other areas only a few miles away have no rain at all!
KNOW YOUR AREA'S FLOOD RISK
Contact your insurance agent, or visit this website! You can view the new Preliminary FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in two different ways at www.tsarp.org. The Floodplain Administrator for your community also has official copies of the maps that you can view.
It is important to note that FEMA Preliminary FIRMs do not affect Flood Insurance requirements or costs at this time. However, there are benefits to purchasing flood insurance now because of the grandfathering provision which can help reduce an individual's insurance rate.
WHAT TO WATCH OR LISTEN FOR IN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL FLOOD EVENTS...
FLOOD WATCH
A Flood/Flash Flood WATCH means that flooding is possible within or nearby a designated WATCH area. The watch is issued when weather conditions are very favorable for this type of event to occur. Be alert to the first signs of flooding and be ready to take action to protect yourself and your property on a moment's notice. Stay tuned to LOCAL radio and TV stations, or NOAA Weather Radio on 162.400 mhz. The Emergency Alert Station (EAS) for the Houston Area is KTRH, 740 am.
FLOOD WARNING
A Flood and Flash Flood WARNING means that flooding is actually occurring, or is imminent! Take any precautions or actions necessary at once. Act quickly to protect yourself. You may have only seconds. Stay tuned to LOCAL radio and TV stations, or NOAA Weather Radio. The Emergency Alert Station (EAS)for the Houston Area is KTRH, 740 am.
URBAN FLOOD ADVISORY
This is a precautionary statement issued by the local National Weather Service Office. It is to inform persons of the dangers in an area where there has usually been a brief period of very heavy rain. This event usually produced by a slow moving storm cell, which causes short term street flooding and ponding of rainwater. This type of flooding is usually brief, and usually dissipates shortly after rains have stopped.
SAFETY ISSUES
Two feet of water on the roadway where water is flowing rapidly will carry away most automobiles and small trucks. Do not drive into water covered roadways. The roadway may be gone or failed due to erosion. Debris and other objects may be submerged in the water as well.
Do not travel at night during heavy rainfall or reported flooding in your area. Monitor LOCAL radio and television broadcasts for the latest information and advisories.
Have access to a source of weather information and stay tuned! You cannot take action to protect yourself if you do not receive the watches, warnings, statements, and advisories. This can be as simple as your car radio, TV, a portable radio, or a weather radio. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts current local weather information, watches, warnings and forecasts 24 hours a day. In addition, some weather radios will sound an alarm - day or night - when warnings are issued. Most are equipped with a battery back-up to commercial power.
The Houston Area broadcast can be monitored on 162.400 mhz. Be sure your source of weather information can operate independently of outside power sources, as some weather events often temporarily interrupt commercial power distribution.
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
Listen to Local Radio or TV Stations for Flood Information.
Floods can take several hours or days to develop. Flash Floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.
Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places...a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades...they are there for your safety.
If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
Be wary of electrical equipment and wiring during and after a flood.
When a Flood WATCH is Issued...
Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to relocate on a moment's notice.
Fill your car's gas tank, in case relocation becomes necessary.
Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. If you think flooding has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
PRE-FLOOD ACTIONS...
Know What to Expect! Know your area's flood risk - if unsure, see: maps.
Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance to see if it covers flooding. If not, find out how to get flood insurance.
At least five gallons of water per person (one gallon of water per person for at least 5 days; often more is needed).
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
AFTER A FLOOD...
Be wary of wild animals and watch out for snakes even in urban areas...and watch out for the fire ants!
If fresh food has come into contact with flood waters, throw it out.
Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.
Seek medical attention if you are injured and flood waters contaminate the injury.
Contact Greater Houston Red Cross for emergency shelter, food, and clothing.
Be wary of electrical equipment and wiring after a flood.
Contact your electrical power provider and/or electrician prior to restoring electrical service to flood damaged property.
