11 Facts About Floods

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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. .]