Last week, much of the northeast portion of the country was ravaged by tropical storm Henri. In addition to wild rains, this storm brought powerful winds and flooding danger. In today’s post, let’s talk about what happens both during and after a storm.
Henri and the Storm Results
When it comes to storm safety, flooding danger is a serious concern. At one point, according to FloodList, more than 120,000 people ended up without power across the entire Northeast. Additionally, there was coastal flooding in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Of course, these weren’t the only places experiencing flooding danger. New Jersey and New York are among the places that saw some major water damage. During a major tropical storm, one of the biggest dangers is a storm surge. These can cause water levels to rise quickly and flood large areas. This can happen more quickly than most people realize, perhaps even within a few minutes.
Flooding Danger is a Hazard All Year Long
Drowning is often sudden and unexpected. When it comes to water safety, it pays to stay vigilant. Depending on your location and the weather, flooding danger can become an unexpected and deadly hazard.
This isn’t just limited to “hurricane season.” For example, we’ve written in the past about flooding danger from melting snow. To this point, places like California, Utah and Wyoming have seen record snowfall in recent years. When the snow stops, that water has to go somewhere. In these cases, it ended up overflowing down mountains and into rivers and nearby towns.
Well after a storm ends, it can still create an unexpected drowning hazard. During 2017, the flooding danger in California caused over 14 deaths.
Being Prepared Can Save Your Life
First and foremost, we recommend swimming lessons. Learning how to swim from a licensed instructor can provide a necessary survival tool that can become useful in case of flooding danger. Young or old, there is a training program that should suit your schedule.
Additionally, you’ll want to understand how to save yourself from drowning and how to recognize drowning in others. Both of these skills are invaluable in a water safety situation.
Keep Life Jackets Close at Hand
Beyond swimming lessons, it always pays to have Coast Guard approved floatation devices close at hand. These should be properly fitted for each member of the family. The mark of United States Coast Guard approval indicates that a particular life jacket meets a specific set of rigorous safety regulations. If you need to rely on a floatation device, it pays to make sure it is a safe as possible. Read our full post about life jacket safety to learn more.
Make a Plan
Flooding danger can happen suddenly. This mean that survival can depend on your thinking ahead. Before a storm arrives, make plans to protect yourself and your family.
Here are a just a few handy preparations to consider:
- The power might go out, so prepare candles and check all flashlight batteries.
- Designate a meeting area, both in your home and outside in case you and your loved ones become separated.
- Refuel the car beforehand.
- Make sure everyone, especially children, carries a card with their identification and emergency contact information on their person at all times.
- Remind everyone to stay clear of water, no matter how calm it may seem. During and after a storm, waters can suddenly rise and swallow a person.
- Keep a radio on-hand to listen for emergency alerts and potential meeting areas.
