HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlash Flood Awareness 1982 ‘VsY 4.` FLASH FLOOD ` �oR E
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This country's number one weather - related killer is flash
flooding; 2,000 people have perished from flash floods in the
past decade. According to the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), at least 20,000 communities across the U.S. have
been identified as vulnerable to flash floods, and the damage
continues to increase.
With predictions of above average precipitation in April
over many parts of the country, officals from FEMA and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stress
the need for local safety awareness efforts to emphasize
correct actions people should take to protect themselves.
Because flash floods occur suddenly, immediate appropriate
response is critical for survival. People are often reluctant
to heed warnings of flash floods because the environmental
clues are frequently invisible -- the water hazard is probably
up stream, out of sight.
To assist state and local preparedness efforts, FEMA, NOAH
and the American Red Cross have prepared a free Flash Flood
Safety Packet with media materials and camera -ready art which
can be tailored to a community safety campaign. The materials
focus on the importance of heeding National Weather Service
flood warnings and preplanning flood -free evacuation routes
based on knowledge of local flood experience. Quantities of
printed brochures, posters and leaflets for school -room use are
also available to promote quick reactions for safety in flood
situations. The materials are also suitable for personalizing
by corporations interested in this public safety effort.
While flash floods occur more frequently during the spring,
they can happen anytime. For areas vulnerable to flash floods,
preparedness at all times becomes critical to life safety. For
a Flash Flood Packet, write Flash Flood Campaign, FEMA, OPA,
Washington, D.C. 20472.
Federal Emergency Management Agency % National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - U.S. Department of Commerce