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"No state or
territory is immune from the dangers of flooding, but knowing how to
react when floods threaten can mean the difference between life and
death," said retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson,
director of NOAA's National Weather Service. The National Weather
Service strives to improve flood forecasts and warnings, as part of
NOAA's continuing mission to serve society's increasing need for
weather and water information.
Floods, on
average, kill more than 100 people and are responsible for $4.6
billion in damage in the United States each year. More than half of
those deaths occur in vehicles overtaken by floodwaters.
"From ice jams and
rapidly melting snow to torrential thunderstorms and slow-moving
tropical storms, floods can be a threat throughout the year," said
Thomas Graziano, Ph.D., acting chief of the Hydrologic Services
Division at NOAA's National Weather Service. "Extensive and
persistent public education on the hazards of flooding is key to
reducing the loss of life and is the goal of Flood Safety Awareness
Week."
Topics to be
covered during Flood Safety Awareness Week:
Monday, March 21: Advanced Hydrologic
Prediction Service
The Advanced
Hydrologic Prediction Service is the National Weather Service's
ongoing effort to modernize hydrologic services, from floods to
droughts. AHPS extends the range and quantifies the certainty of
National Weather Service river forecasts and provides timely,
user-friendly, visual products accessible on the Internet.
Tuesday, March 22: "Turn Around, Don't
Drown!"
People often
underestimate the force of water. More than half of all
flood-related deaths are attributed to vehicles that are swept
downstream. Of these drownings, many are preventable simply by not
driving or walking onto flooded roads. Most cars begin to float and
lose contact with the road, assuming the road has not been washed
out, in only 18-24 inches of water. Remember, when approaching a
flooded roadway, turn around, don't drown.
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Wednesday, March 23: Inland flooding
from tropical systems
Heavy rain and
subsequent flooding produced by tropical systems such as hurricanes
and their remnants can be deadlier than the strong winds such storms
create. Slow-moving systems typically produce heavy rain in the same
area for extended periods, resulting in significant flooding.
Thursday, March 24: Determining flood
risk and flood insurance
Flood losses are
not covered by a homeowner's insurance policy. Flood insurance is
available, however, to any property owner in a community
participating in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National
Flood Insurance Program. Flood hazard maps, produced by FEMA, enable
consumers to determine their risk and choose appropriate flood
insurance.
Friday, March 25: Flood safety
The National
Weather Service, alongside government and private-sector partners,
informs communities across the United States how to become aware of
flood risks and how to properly react when a flood threatens.
Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can save lives
and reduce injuries and property damage.
The NOAA National
Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and
warnings for the United States and its territories. The National
Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning
and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and
property and enhance the national economy.
NOAA is dedicated
to enhancing economic security and national safety through the
prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and
providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and
marine resources.
On the Web:
[National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration news release]
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