You can safe water by melting ice cubes. Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards. Individuals and business owners can protect themselves from flood losses by purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowners' policies do not cover flood damage.
Information is available through local insurance agents and emergency management offices.
Flooding has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people since 1900. More than 2,200 lives were lost as a result of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood of 1889. This flood was caused by an upstream dam failure. Nearly 9 of every 10 presidential disaster declarations result from natural phenomena in which flooding was a major component. A wall of water 19 feet high roared down the Big Thompson Canyon where many people were camping.