Flood

Floods happen during heavy rains, overflowing rivers, ocean waves on the shore, snow melting too fast, and dams and levees breaking. Floods are the most common natural disaster. They can quickly turn into flash floods. Floods can occur in all states but you are more at risk if you live near water. Only one foot of water can make a car float.

Deadliest in World History:

• Occurred in 1931 in China

• Due to heavy snowstorms, rains, and cyclones

• China’s three biggest rivers overflowed

• Killed 1-4 million people due to famine and hunger because crops became contaminated and water was polluted

Deadliest in U.S. History:

• Johnstown Flood

• Occurred in 1889 in Pennsylvania

• Killed 2,209 people

• Caused by the collapse of the South Fork Dam

BEFORE A FLOOD:

• Listen for flood warnings

• Have a family plan of what to do if there is a flood

DURING A FLOOD:

• Move to higher ground

• Move any belongings that could get damaged by water

• Don’t walk through water because you don’t know how deep it is

• Don’t walk through moving water because just 6 inches can make you fall

AFTER A FLOOD:

• Stay away from water because it can be contaminated

• Stay out of the way of emergency workers

KEYWORDS:

Flash flood: rapid flooding of water

Famine: extreme shortage of food

Flood warning: message that flooding is possible and to watch the news for more information

Source: FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/