National Preparedness Month: Floods, landslides and mudflows Published Sept. 21, 2015 By Kenji Thuloweit EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Each Wednesday throughout the month of September, Edwards AFB's Emergency Management Office specialists have been at the Exchange giving out prizes and information during National Preparedness Month. Last Wednesday, the office brought out their mobile Incident Command Post for people to check out. They also brought out the "Fault Line" Earthquake Demonstrator for folks to come aboard and feel what a significant earthquake feels like. The EM crew will be at the Exchange Sept. 23 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with prizes and information to round out National Preparedness Month 2015. What is a Flood? A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. All floods are not alike. Some can develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, such as flash floods, can occur quickly, even without any visible signs of rain. Flood Facts - Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters outside of fire. - Ninety percent of all presidential-declared U.S. natural disasters involve flooding. - Flooding caused more than $4 billion a year in losses and 2,200 deaths in the U.S. during the 1990's. - There is a 26 percent chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30 year mortgage (more than 6 times the likelihood of a fire). - Even minor flooding can cost thousands of dollars in losses and repairs, and flood damage is virtually never covered by standard homeowners insurance. - Florida residents and businesses hold more than 40 percent of all flood insurance policies in the nation. Know the Terms Flood Watch - Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for information. Flash Flood Watch - Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to the NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for information. Flood Warning - Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Flash Flood Warning - A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately. Danger Zones Floods occur within all 50 U.S. states (they can occur anytime, anywhere). Communities particularly at risk are those in low lying areas, coastal areas, or downstream from large bodies of water. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding. Actions to Consider BEFORE - Stay tuned to radio or television for updates. - Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain. - If your home is prone to flooding, move your furnace, water heater and electric panel to higher floors. - Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home. - Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into home drains. - Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building. - Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage. - Consider purchasing flood insurance. DURING - Stay tuned to radio or television for updates. - Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Do not ever walk through moving water more than 6 inches deep. AFTER - Be careful in areas where floodwaters have receded. - Watch for downed electrical lines and weakened roads and bridges. - Stay out of flooded buildings and use caution when entering damaged structures. Their foundations may have weakened. - Avoid coming in contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated. If available, use gloves and if not, wash your hands if they get wet. - Discard any food that has come in contact with floodwater. - Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into buildings with the water. - Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. - Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. - Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards. - Report property damage to your insurance agent immediately. Did You Know... Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups. Information about floods, risk of financial loss due to flooding, and flood insurance can be found at www.FloodSmart.gov. Landslides What are Landslides? A landslide is a mass of rock, earth, or debris moving down a slope. They are activated by rainstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and by human modification of the land. What is a Mudflow? Mudflows (or debris flows) are rivers of rock, earth, and other debris saturated with water. They develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground such as during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or slurry. Landslide Facts - Landslides may be very small or very large and can move from slow to very high speeds. - It is estimated that landslides cause between 25 and 50 deaths each year in the U.S. and thousands more in vulnerable areas all around the globe. Mudflow Facts - Mudflows may be very small or very large; flowing rapidly down slopes or through channels, and can strike with little or no warning. - A mudflow can travel several miles from its source, growing in size as it picks up trees, vehicles, and other materials along the way. Danger Zones Landslides may occur in all U.S. states/territories; California, West Virginia, Utah, Kentucky, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, Ohio, and Washington are at greatest risk. Landslide Warning Signs - Doors or windows begin to stick or jam. - New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations. - Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building. - Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways. - Underground utility lines break. - Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope. - Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move. - The ground slopes downward in one specific direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet. - Be alert for sudden increases or decreases in water flow and a change from clear to muddy water if you are near a stream or channel. Actions to Consider BEFORE - Create an evacuation plan for your family and have a backup route in mind. - Be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so. - Listen for unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking. -Plant ground cover on slopes and build retaining walls. DURING If Indoors - Stay indoors. Move to a second story if possible. - Take cover under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture. If Outdoors - Get out of the path of the landslide or mudflow. Run to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. Do not delay! Save yourself, not your belongings. - Run for the nearest shelter such as a group of trees or a building if rocks and other debris are approaching. - Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible. AFTER - Stay away from the slide area; there may be danger of additional slides. - Check for injured or trapped people near the slide area. Provide first aid and CPR if trained to do so. - Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information. - Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - large families, children, elderly, and individuals with disabilities. - Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Be especially careful to check for downed power lines and gas lines that may have ruptured. - Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding. - Report property damage to your insurance agent immediately. Did You Know... The May 1980 eruption of the Mount St. Helens volcano caused the largest landslide in history - a rock slide-debris avalanche large enough to fill 250 million dump trucks. Contact the Edwards Office of Emergency Management for more information at 661-277-6555.