There's less than 30 days to the election. Register to vote now!

DoSomething.org is an organization that fuels young people to change the world.

11 Facts About Floods

Welcome to DoSomething.org, a global movement of millions of young people making positive change, online and off! The 11 facts you want are below, and the sources for the facts are at the very bottom of the page. After you learn something, Do Something! Find out how to take action here.

  1. No region is safe from flooding. All 50 states are subject to flash floods.^[Emergency Management Institute. "Types of Floods and Floodplains." National Preparedness Directorate National Training and Education. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  2. Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.^[FEMA Disaster Assistance. "Resources - Flood Facts." Flood Facts. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  3. A car can be taken away in as little as 2 feet of water.^[FEMA Disaster Assistance. "Resources - Flood Facts." Flood Facts. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  4. To stay safe during a flood, go to the highest ground of floor possible. If your skin comes in contact with flood water, make sure to wash it with soap and disinfected water because the contents are unknown.^[Government Documents Dept.. "Create Results-Oriented Incentives to Reduce the costs of a Disaster." Federal Emergency Management Agency. April 7, 2014. .]
  5. Flooding is caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.^[FEMA. "Spring Flooding: Risks and Protection." Ready.gov. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  6. Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires. 90% of all U.S. natural disasters declared by the President involve some sort of flooding.^["Flood Facts." Palm Beach County. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  7. In preparation for a flood, it is important to stock up on first aid items, non-perishable foods, 3 gallons of water per person for 3 days, battery operated radio for weather reports, extra batteries, personal hygiene necessities.^[FEMA. "Floods." Ready.gov. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  8. Based on Floodsmart, a 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12” of water damage could cost more than $50,000.^[FEMA. "Cost of Flooding | Measure Flood Damage | Flood Tool." FloodSmart. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  9. Since flood damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance, flood insurance is important for people living in high-risk flood zones.^[Cohn, Emily. "Flood Insurance In Northeast Is Rare." The Huffington Post. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  10. To stay safe during a flood, go to the highest ground of floor possible. If your skin comes in contact with flood water, make sure to wash it with soap and disinfected water because the contents are unknown.^[FEMA. "Preparation & Recovery." Flood Smart. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
  11. Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam.^[Ready.gov. "Flood Safety Day: Prepare For The Number One Weather-Related Killer." Georgia Weather Emergency Checklist Ready Kit. Accessed April 7, 2014. .]
GET INVOLVED

Make a difference in your community and add your vision to the future of our democracy