Single Publication

BAER Safety Message Potential Flood Hazards

BAER INFORMATION: FOR YOUR SAFETY – POTENTIAL FLOOD HAZARDS

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR PROPERTY FROM POTENTIAL FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS:

§  Communities need to monitor local weather reports and public safety bulletins, local road closures, emergency notifications, weather alerts, follow local county and city advisories, and act accordingly.

§  Use a “weather radio” or smart phone “weather app” that monitors “all hazards” alerts issued by the NOAA-National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/).

§  Prepare for rainstorms by being prepared to evacuate if county or city emergency officials determine that flooding and debris flows are expected which could pose an increased threat to human life, safety, and property. Practice evacuations before real events occur.

§  Know and be alert to environmental signs of dangerous weather conditions and be prepared to take action that can save lives.

§  Understand that all drainages within and downstream of the burned area can produce flash flooding.

§  Flash floods can occur even though it is not raining where you are it may be raining hard further up-stream.

§  If you find yourself in a flood, climb to safety (seek higher ground).

§  Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it by vehicle or foot. Water hides dips in the road – worse yet, there may be no road left under the water as flooding can scour away the entire road surface and ground beneath the road.