Preparedness - Flooding

At a glance..

Wherever you live, be aware of potential flooding hazards. If you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam, you must be prepared for floods.

The details..

"Floods: How to Prepare and Respond" is an essential guide for anyone living in areas prone to flooding. The book offers simple yet effective ways of preparing for possible floods by knowing the flood warning system in your community, identifying fire hazards that may arise during a flood and being aware of potential flooding hazards. In addition, it gives instructions on how you can protect appliances from minor flooding as well as tips on seeking higher ground quickly if necessary.

The book also includes detailed information about building dikes using sandbags or other materials which offer protection against shallow flooding (water depth less than 3 feet). You will learn how best to select the site for the dike making use of natural land features while avoiding trees or obstructions that could weaken its structure. Additionally, there are guidelines provided on filling sandbags correctly with clay silt or sand without tying them together so they can be easily arranged into place when constructing the dike.

Leaking basements are another common problem associated with heavy rains or quick thaws; this book provides solutions such as filling cracks when soil is dry so they remain dry before sealing them up properly using cement mortar mixtures. There's also guidance offered on cleaning up after a flood including restoring electrical service safely post-flooding events plus controlling rodents & insects once water has receded from affected areas.

Finally "Floods: How To Prepare And Respond" contains special considerations aimed at agricultural producers who need specific preparation measures depending upon their type of farm/ranch operation - whether livestock-based operations like dairy farms where protecting animals must take priority over everything else; crop farming enterprises where ensuring crops aren't damaged beyond repair becomes paramount concern.