Flood Preparedness IQ Flood Preparedness IQ Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Water runs off steeper ground very rapidly, causing natural drainage systems to overflow with rushing flood waters and a deadly cargo of rocks, mud, smashed trees and other debris.
Mudslides are also a danger created by flood conditions.
In 1995 and 1996, Last spring and earlier this year, Idaho experienced a variety of these conditions, and the upcoming spring has the potential of producing flood related disasters in much of the state. Wherever you live, be aware of potential flooding hazards. If you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam, you must be prepared for floods. What to do before a flood Know the terms used to describe flooding conditions, which will be broadcast on radio and television. Flood forecasts means rainfall is heavy enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks or melting snow is mixing with rainfall to produce similar effects.