Flash Flood Knowledge

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of West Amarillo know how crazy the Texas Panhandle weather has been lately. We are blessed to see the rain but know that too much can be dangerous. SERVPRO of West Amarillo would love to be the first on the scene to help during your storm-caused disaster at home, but we also take pride in providing tips to keep you safe during inclement weather.

Sometimes flash floods can come, along with all this rain. It is important to know what flash floods are, what to do to prepare for them, and how to react if they become a reality.

A flash flood is a sudden local flood, due to heavy rain. A flash flood watch means that there is a possibility for flash flooding in your area. A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Helpful tips:

• Stay alert and updated on the weather! There are news channels, radio stations, apps, and websites to help with this. If you do not have access to any of the mentioned resources, it is advised that you ask a neighbor or friend.
• Create an emergency kit for inclement weather. If the kit was made in previous years, make sure the food supply is replenished, there are fresh batteries for radios and flashlights, and that all documents and identification are up to date.
• Turn around, don’t drown. It is common to think that your car can handle driving in flood water, but it is never a good idea. The water pressure on the doors could trap you in the vehicle, you place yourself at higher risk of drowning, wash out on roads could occur and cause you to have an accident, the water could cause an automobile accident or other damage to your car, and not to mention, emergency responders are already super busy, so unless there is an absolute emergency, do not try to brave driving in the waters.
• Keep children and pets out of the flood waters. There are high risks of fast-moving debris, toxins, microbials, and other dangers in the water.
• Do not return to affected areas until told by official authorities to do so.