Flash flooding needs to be taken seriously

As an emergency management professional, it just tears at my heart when I hear of natural disasters such as the massive flooding in the hill country of Texas or the flooding in New Mexico and along the East Coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today.

It brings one’s job into perspective. One likes to think that you know everything, but realistically, one cannot know everything; all you can do is the best that you can.

In the emergency world, that means that you attend training sessions, hold exercises and keep informing the public of what hazards could occur in your local area.

My county development department also does drainage. The number of times that I have heard but I have never had water this high before is countless. When I ask them how long they have lived there and they reply for example, 20 years. After looking things over, I often find reports where the last flooding in that area was 30 years ago.

I was in Brookings County for about 20 years before I saw a flash flood warning issued. Nowadays, for the past six years or so, we get one or two a year.

I am not a meteorologist. I am a geographer by schooling, a soldier by training, and an emergency manager because I love my job.

The flooding we normally see in Brookings County comes either from melting snowpack or from prolonged rainfall, where our Big Sioux River and various creeks get full and push the water downstream.

Defining a flash flood

A flash flood is a rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area beginning within six hours of the causative event. Flash floods are most often caused by very heavy rainfall, but can also be the result of a dam failure. Most fatalities from flash flooding occur when people drive into flooded areas, since it only takes 12 to 24 inches of moving water to turn most vehicles into boats. Turn around, dont drown. Not only is it difficult to know the depth of water over a road, but the roadway itself might be washed out. Find a different way to reach your destination its just not worth the risk.

Preparing for a flood

Make a planfor your household, includingyour pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies,including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

Staying safe during a flood

• Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to the NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around. Dont drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

Staying safe after a flood

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaningmold or other debris.
• People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppressionshould not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.

I would like to thank FEMAs Ready.gov and the Sioux Falls NWS for providing input for this week’s article.

Until next time, keep an eye on the sky.

Bob the EM.