There are on-average, 5,000 floods each year making this are our nation's most common natural disaster. Floods also result in more deaths than any other types of severe weather. In 2009, there were 175 flooding events in New York State at a cost of $32.82 million in property damage!
Flood terms:
Flood watch - flooding is possible.
Flood warning - flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised by officials to evacuate, do so immediately.
Flash flood warning - unexpected flooding is imminent. Seek higher ground immediately. Two key elements contribute to flash floods:(1) rainfall intensity (2) length of time that it has been raining. Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the United States.
Flood Safety and Recovery Resources
Floods and Flooding - EDEN resources
First Steps to Flood Recovery - Purdue University
Floods…the Awesome Power - NOAA & American Red Cross
Emergency Food Worker's Guide to Food Safety - Assisting communities to plan and properly prepare and serve safe food in an emergency situation. Cornell University
Preparing meals safely - Mississippi State Extension
Photo credit: CCE Delaware County 2006
Flooded Gardens - what to do with fruits and vegetables from a home garden that has been flooded. Food safety is a major concern. (South Dakota State University)
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning - a critical issue related to using emergency generators or small gasoline engines during flood clean-up. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Dealing with mold damage:
Dry out before rebuilding - provided by North Dakota State University (NDSU)
- includes a video on how to use a moisture meter and information on sump pumps.
Rehabbing Flooded Homes - guide for builders and contractors involved in the rehabilitation of single family homes flooded from natural disasters. US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Six approaches for preventing flood damage in your home - Louisana State University (LSU) AG Center
Children’s health and floods - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Protecting the health and safety of workers and volunteers involved in flood recovery efforts - NIOSH guidelines
Water Quality Resources
Private wells - What to do if your well is involved in a flood.
Septic systems - How to deal with a flooded septic system.
Dealing with a boil water order - Boiling and/or disinfecting water to make it safe to use.
Agriculture-related Recovery Fact Sheets
Dealing with Flooded Vegetable Fields - Cornell University
Hot Hay Alert - Cornell University
Agricultural Issues After a Flood - EDEN
Post Flooding