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Flash Floods

What is a flash flood

  • In many areas, unusually heavy rains or dam failure may cause quick or "flash" floods.
  • Small creeks, gullies, dry stream beds, ravines, culverts, or even low-lying ground frequently flood quickly and endanger people often before any warning can be given.
  • Examples of flash floods
    • Rapid City, 1972
    • Big Thompson Canyon, 1976
    • Fort Collins, 1997
    • Manitou Springs and La Junta, 1999
  • Dam Failure
    • Lawn Lake Dam (Estes Park), 1982

Never attempt to outrun a flood in your yehicle

  • Abandon the vehicle and climb to safety.
  • If you are in a canyon, attempt to reach high ground by climbing directly up the canyon sides.

Abandon stalled vehicles in flooded areas if you can do so safely

  • Abandon Stalled Vehicles in Flooded Areas if you can do so safely.
  • Flood waters may rise and sweep the vehicle and occupants away.
  • Many deaths have resulted from attempts to either outrun a flood or to move a stalled vehicle.

Never try to drive through flooded areas

  • Remember that it only takes 18 to 24 inches of moving water to move an auto.
  • If an area is flooded, take an alternate route to reach your destination.
  • The depth of the flood waters will be unknown, the road may be undermined and a current may exist which could sweep your vehicle away.
  • Many deaths have occurred by people trying to drive through flooded areas.

Turn around, don't drown 

  • Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.
  • The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.
  • People underestimate the force and power of water.
  • Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream.
  • Many of these drownings are preventable.
  • Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road.
  • The road may have collapsed under that water.
  • A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.
  • It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
  • It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

 

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes

People With Disabilities - Disaster Safety from Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH )

  • Please to be sure to practice drills.
  • Create and update household Emergency Access Plans