Summary Some statistics to remember if you are ever faced with the decision of crossing a flooded roadway. As little as one foot of water can move most cars off the road. Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off his or her feet. Most flood-related deaths occur at night and are vehicular. Urban and small stream flash floods often occur in less than one hour.
Tropical cyclones pose significant risk well inland due to fresh water flooding.
Flooding Action Box Learn your vulnerability to flooding by determining the elevation of your property. If you are in a flood area, consider what mitigation measure you can do in advance. In highly flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves. Call your county emergency management agency to learn how to construct proper protective measures around your home. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood, so you or your evacuation routes are not cut off.