Floods are among the most common type of natural disaster in the United States. Flooding typically occurs after heavy or prolonged rain, or the rapid melt of snow. Floods have been happening more frequently, caused in part by removing trees, building communities and climate change.
While the effects of floods can be devastating, there are steps families can take to help keep their children safe.
What are flash floods & why are they so dangerous?
Flash floods are different than regular floods. They happen more suddenly—within 6 hours, or sometimes even within minutes—during heavy rains or storm surges, or when dams or levees give way.
The intense force of the moving water, along with debris such as trees and boulders that gets swept up, make flash floods extremely destructive. A gallon of water weighs 8 pounds; hundreds of gallons of rushing water has thousands of pounds of force. Just 6 inches of
moving water can knock someone down, and 2 feet of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
In fact, the National Weather Service calls flash floods the "number 1 storm-related killer."
Check updated updated Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps to see if your area is at risk for flooding. You can also learn about your area's risk of floods and other natural disasters, plus tips to help your family be ready, in this article. Here's what you can do during and after a flood:
What should parents do during a flash flood to keep children safe?
Monitor a weather radio or local alert systems for current emergency information and instructions. Evacuate immediately if advised.
Do not allow children to walk through or wade into moving flood water, even if it's your basement that gets flooded.
If trapped inside a building, try to get to the highest level.
Remind teens and young adults about the hazards of driving during flash floods:
Turn around, don't drown: Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water.
If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Don't leave the car and enter moving water. If water is rising in the car, try to get on the roof of the vehicle.
Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly with little warning.
Avoid bridges over fast-moving water. Rapidly moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
Stay inside your car if trapped in fast-moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
What should parents do after a flash flood?
The aftermath of a flash flood can be almost as hazardous as the flood itself. Three big reasons are electrical dangers, mold and contaminated water. Children are especially vulnerable to these environmental hazards.
Parents should limit children's participation in flash flood recovery. Children, teens and pregnant women should not be involved in clean-up efforts. Before they return, these areas should be cleaned and disinfected, along with all toys, clothing and other objects. Keep in mind:
Is your home safe to go back to?
Return home only after officials have declared the area safe.
Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
Watch out for wild animals, especially venomous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater.
If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call 911.
If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
Hazardous clean-up
Do not allow your children to play in flood waters or with any rocks, mud, or debris that have been in flood waters. The water may have high levels of chemicals or bacteria, including raw sewage from failed lift stations, sewers or septic systems.
If you or your child have an open wound that comes into contact with contaminated flood water, you may need a tetanus booster shot to prevent illness.
Wear rubber boots and gloves when cleaning and be sure to protect and cover any open wounds and sores. Wear a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 respirator if cleaning mold or other debris.
People with underlying respiratory diseases, such as asthma, or who are immunosuppressed should avoid hazardous clean-up areas.
Everyone should practice basic hygiene and wash their hands frequently, or use
hand sanitizer, especially before handling food or food containers.
Contaminated drinking water
If your drinking water comes from a city or other public water system, watch for public announcements regarding the safety of the water supply. Homeowners using private wells for drinking water should follow guidelines from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Do not use contaminated water to wash your hands, wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food, make ice or make
baby formula. If possible, use baby formula that does not need to have water added.
Food contamination
Foods or other items that may have been contaminated should be thrown away, including canned goods, water bottles, eating utensils, inside surfaces (especially those used for food preparation) and baby bottle nipples.
When in doubt, throw it out!
If you lost power for an extended period of time you may also need to throw out food that has become spoiled or contaminated. Don't forget to turn off your icemaker if authorities have advised not to drink the tap water. If the door is kept closed, a full freezer will keep food frozen for 2 days, and a refrigerator can keep food cold for 4-6 hours.
Surface contamination
Contaminated surfaces need disinfecting to kill germs. Household bleach is effective, economical, convenient, and available at grocery stores. Bleach solution should be left on contaminated surfaces for at least 2 minutes before being wiped off.
Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting products should not be used in close proximity to children. Also, ensure adequate ventilation during any cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting procedure to prevent children from inhaling potentially toxic fumes.
Toys and play areas
Play areas should be cleaned and disinfected, along with all toys, clothing, books, etc.
Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected. Throw out any materials that cannot be readily disinfected, such as stuffed animals or pillows.
Mental health impacts of flash floods on children
In addition to flood dangers, any disaster can take a toll on your child's physical and mental health. It is important to
limit media coverage of a disaster. Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer those questions directly. Often, they have fears based on limited information or because they misunderstood what they were told. Reassure children when able to do so, but if their fears are realistic, do not give false reassurance.
If you have concerns about your child's behavior, contact their pediatrician, other primary care provider, or a qualified mental health care professional.
See
Talking to Children about Disasters for more information.
More information