National Preparedness Month: High winds and floods Published Sept. 14, 2015 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- September is National Preparedness Month and each area is prone to its own set of potential natural disasters. For Edwards Air Force Base and the surrounding communities, some of those hazards include high winds and floods. Gusts of wind up to 70 mph aren't uncommon in the passes and along the foot hills and on Edwards AFB. High winds can make driving difficult, cause some power outages, damage buildings and vehicles, and also cause injuries or even death. Safety is essential before, during and after a high wind event. To stay safe during high wind events: · Secure outdoor objects · Debris may be flying around- be aware of your surroundings · Report any downed power lines to the electrical company- DO NOT TOUCH · Do not touch anything that is in contact with downed electrical power lines · If you have to drive, drive slowly with both hands on the wheel. Turn on headlights while driving through blowing dust · Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and watch for debris · Watch for high profile vehicles- Campers, big rigs and trailers are more likely to overturn in high winds · Get off the road and park on the shoulder if the winds make driving too dangerous · Keep your pets inside or ensure they have shelter from the wind Wind Advisories, Watches and Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. Floods Flooding occurs when an overflow of an expanse of water submerges land. Not all floods are 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. Outside of fire, floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters and play a part in ninety percent of all presidential-declared U.S. natural disasters. During the 1990's, flooding caused more than $4 billion a year in losses and 2,200 deaths in the U.S. There is a 26 percent chance of experiencing a flood during the life of a 30-year mortgage (more than six 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. Floods can happen anytime, anywhere, but 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. If a flood or flash flood watch is issued, tune into the NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television for more information. If a flood warning is issued a flood is occurring or will occur soon - heed all evacuation advisories. If a flash flood warning is issued, a flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. During a flood, 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. A rainstorm may also activate a landslide, which is a mass of rock, earth, or debris moving down a slope. They are also activated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, and by human modification of the land. When water rapidly accumulates in the ground such as during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, a mudflow or debris flow may occur, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or slurry. 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. Likewise, 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. During a slide, if you are indoors, stay indoors and 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 and curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible. For more information on what to do before or after a flood or landslide, visit http://www.beready.af.mil/disastersandemergencies or contact the office of Emergency Management at 661-277-277-6555. Information about floods, risk of financial loss due to flooding, and flood insurance can be found at www.FloodSmart.gov.