<text>If you understand the danger of flash flooding and know what immediate action to take, you can save your life and your family's. Follow these rules.Before the flood1. Know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and other waterways.2. Make advance plans of what you will do and where you will go in a flash flood emergency.When a flash flood watch is issued for your area1. Listen to area radio and television stations and NOAA weather radio for possible flash flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress from the National Weather Service and public safety agencies.2. Be prepared to move out of danger's way at a moment's notice.3. If you are on a road, watch for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas.4. Watch for signs (thunder, lightning) of distant heavy rainfall.When a flash flood warning is issued for your area1. Act quickly to save yourself and those who depend on you. You may have only seconds.2. Do not attempt to cross a flooding stream on foot where water is above your knees.3. If you are driving, don't try to drive through water of unknown depth. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may sweep the vehicle and its occupants away. Many deaths have been caused by attempts to move stalled vehicles.4. Keep children away from floodwaters near culverts and storm drains.5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.6. When you are out of immediate danger, tune in the area radio and television stations and NOAA weather radio station for additional information as conditions change and new reports are received.In remote areas1. Stay away from natural streambeds, arroyos, and other drainage channels during and after rainstorms. Water runs off the higher elevations very rapidly.2. Never camp on low ground. A flash flood can catch you while you sleep.3. Use your maps. Know where you are and where you can Qnd higher ground.4. Remember, you don't have to be at the bottom of a hill to be a target for flash flood dangers.5. Stay out of flooded areas.6. Keep alert to signs of wet weather, either rain where you are or signs of rain (thunder and lightning) nearby.7. Keep as informed as you can. If you are out of range of broadcast information, be sure to watch for these indicators of flash flooding: an increase in the speed of stream flow, a rapid rise in river level. BE PREPARED TO MOVE TO SAFETY.Remember FLASH FLOOD WATCH means heavy rains may result in flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepared for the possibility of a flood emergency that will require immediate action. FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in the specified areas. Move to safe ground immediately.Flash Floods Do Kill. Poster by Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Poster 921 revised March 1983.</text>
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card_4165.xml
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<text>Heavy rainfall, even for short periods, may be quickly followed by Flash Floods in mountain areas. When you go into hilly terrain, think Flash Floods when it rains. A little caution can save your life, and your family's.ΓÇöSTAY AWAY FROM NATURAL STREAMBEDS, arroyos, and other drainage channels during and after rainstorms. Water runs off the higher elevations very rapidly, causing the natural drainage system to overflow with rushing floodwaters and their deadly cargo of rocks, mud, smashed trees, and other debris.ΓÇöNEVER CAMP ON LOW GROUND. A flash flood can catch you while you sleep.ΓÇöUSE YOUR MAPS. Know where you are, and whether you are on locally low ground. Remember: You don't have to be at the bottom of a hill to be a target for the dangers of flash flooding.ΓÇöKNOW WHERE THE HIGH GROUND IS and how to get there in a hurry. Remember: many roads and trails parallel existing drainage patterns, and may be swept away by flood waters.ΓÇöSTAY OUT OF FLOODED AREAS; the water may still be rising, and the current is usually swift. Never try to cross a flowing stream on foot if the water is above your knees.ΓÇöABANDON STALLED VEHICLES IN FLOODED AREAS if you can do so safely. Flood waters may rise and sweep the vehicle (and its occupants) away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.ΓÇöKEEP ALERT TO SIGNS OF WET WEATHER, either rain where you are or signs of rainΓÇöthunder and lightningΓÇönearby or in distant hills.ΓÇöKEEP AS INFORMED AS YOU CAN. Stay tuned to radio or television stations in the area for information on developing weather and flood conditions. If you are out of range of broadcast information, be sure to watch for these indicators of flash flooding: increased speed of river flow: steady or rapid rise in river level. Be prepared to move to safety.Flash-Flood Watch ΓÇö Heavy rains may result in flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepare for the possibility of a flood emergency which will require immediate action.Flash-Flood Warning ΓÇö Flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in certain areas. Move to safe ground immediately!U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service. "Killer from the Hills." U.S. Government Printing Office : 1976 O-222-117. NOAA/PA 73019 1973.</text>
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card_2298.xml
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<text>FLASH FLOODFlash floods can strike any time and any place with little or no warning. In mountainous or flat terrain, distant rain may be channeled into gullies and ravines, turning a quiet streamside campsite or wash into a rampaging torrent in minutes. City streets can become rivers in seconds. Observe these flash flood safety rules. They could save your life.ΓÇó Keep alert for signs of heavy rain (thunder and lightning), both where you are and upstream Watch for rising water levels.ΓÇó Know where high ground is and get there quickly if you see or hear rapidly rising water.ΓÇó Be especially cautious at night. It's harder to recognize the danger then.ΓÇó Do not attempt to cross flowing water which may be more than knee deep. If you have doubts, don't cross.ΓÇó Don't try to drive through flooded areas.ΓÇó If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.ΓÇó During threatening weather listen to commercial radio or TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for Watch and Warning Bulletins.Flash Flood Watch means it is possible that rains will cause flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepared for a flood emergency.Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in the specified area. Move to safe ground immediately.Brochure "Flash Flood." Produced by U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Weather Service. GP0: 1982 0 - 359-280</text>
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card_5584.xml
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<text>Each year, some 200,000 Americans are driven from their homes by floods. Annually during the past decade 200 persons were killed, and more than $2 billion worth of property was damaged or destroyed.Before the flood1. Keep on hand materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber.2. Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up in sewer drains.3. Arrange for auxiliary electrical supplies for hospitals and other operations that are critically affected by power failure.4. Keep first aid supplies at hand.5. Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, filling stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.6. Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration. Electric power may be interrupted.7. Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, lights, and flashlights in working order.8. Have a safe evacuation route planned.9. Know your elevation above flood stage (check with your Department of Public Works).When you receive a flood warning1. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater.2. Be sure children are not playing near streams or low-lying areas subject to flooding.3. If forced to leave your property and time permits, move essential items to safe ground, fill tanks to keep them from floating away, and grease immovable machinery.4. Store a supply of drinking water in clean bathtubs and in various large containers. Water service may be interrupted.During the flood1. Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.2. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees.3. Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. You can be stranded and trapped.4. Keep children from playing in floodwaters near culverts and storm drains.After the flood1. Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter, and first aid are available at Red Cross shelters.2. Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches, to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.3. Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.4. Be sure drinking water is not contaminated. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking.5. Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters.6. Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.7. Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.RememberFlood warnings are forecasts of impending floods and are distributed to the public by radio and television, by NOAA weather radio, and through local emergency agencies. The warning message tells the expected degree of flooding (minor, moderate, or severe), the affected river, and when and where flooding will begin. Careful preparation and prompt response will reduce property loss and ensure personal safety.Flood Safety Rules. Poster by Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Poster 921 revised March 1983.</text>
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card_5056.xml
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<text>WHAT CAUSES FLASH FLOODS?When a violent thunderstorm breaks over the mountains and deserts of the Southwest, runoff from the torrential rains cascades into the steep canyons in a matter of minutes. Walls of water sometimes 10 to 30 feet high swirl through the canyons and arroyos, picking up mud, boulders, trees, and other debris. Plants, animals, and sometimes man are caught, swept along, and battered in the onrushing torrent of the flash flood. Flash floods can result from thunderstorms centered over mountains many miles away.FLASH FLOOD SEASONSFlash floods can occur in the southwestern United States at any time of the year, but the predominant seasons are summer and early fall. They can occur as the result of: Isolated thunderstormsΓÇölate June to mid-September; Tropical storms or other general stormsΓÇömostly August to October.THUNDERSTORM IDENTIFICATIONA thunderstorm cloud, called cumulonimbus, is a large towering cloud, frequently spreading out on top Into the shape of an anvil. It usually appears dark and threatening when viewed from below, but very bright and white when seen from the side at some distance.PROTECT YOUR LIFEΓÇó Keep an eye and ear to the sky. Be alert for thunder or lightning in your vicinity and over nearby hills.ΓÇó Listen frequently to weather reports on radio.ΓÇó Camp on high ground but not on top of exposed peaks or ridges.ΓÇó Avoid deep canyons and dry washes during stormy or threatening weather.ΓÇó If heavy rains occur, move to high ground immediately (at least 30-40 feet above the canyon floor or bottom of the dry wash).ΓÇó If you can t move your vehicle, abandon it. Take your survival gear with you. Don t attempt to return to your vehicle until the sky clears or officials give you the OK.ΓÇó Don t try to drive through flooded areas. Abandon your car if water begins to rise over the road. Move to high ground immediately.ΓÇó Follow instructions of local authorities. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY when warned. Many lives have been lost because people have not heeded warnings of police officers, park rangers, and other officials.ΓÇó Before you leave home, inform someone of your destination and when you expect to return. Police should be notified immediately if you do not return on time.ΓÇó Take survival supplies for several days, including food, water, first aid equipment, and necessary medication. In desert areas during hot weather, allow 3-4 gallons of water per day, per person.Flash Flood and Thunderstorm Information1. National Weather Service2. Local Police, Sheriff's Office, Highway Patrol3. Automotive Association ΓÇö AAA, etc.4. County Flood Control District Office5. US Army Corps of Engineers Local Office6. State Disaster OfficeReturn from your outdoor trip ALIVEAlways carry survival gear.Listen to radio weather reports.Inform someone of your destination and when you expect to return.Visually check sky frequently for storm clouds.Establish campsites on high groundBrochure " Danger! Flash Flood Checklist for Survival." Prepared by the Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. U.S. Government Printing Office: 1977.</text>
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card_6550.xml
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<text>Before the flood, know the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and other waterways, and make advance plans of what you will do and where you will go in a flash-flood emergency.When a flash-flood watch is issued for your area:Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flash-flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress from the National Weather Service and public-safety agencies.Be prepared to move out of danger's way at a moment's notice.If you are on a road, watch for flooding at highway dips, bridges, low areas.Watch for signs (thunder, lightning) of distant heavy rainfall.When a flash-flood warning is issued for your area:Act quickly to save yourself and those who depend on you. You may have only seconds.Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your knees.If you are driving, don't try to ford dips of unknown depth. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground; rapidly rising water may sweep the vehicle and its occupants away. Many deaths have been caused by attempts to move stalled vehicles. Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.When you are out of immediate danger, tune in area radio or television stations for additional information as conditions change and new reports are received.After the flash-flood watch or warning is cancelled, stay tuned to radio or television for follow-up information. Flash flooding may have ended, but general flooding may come later in headwater streams and major rivers. REMEMBER: ANY HEAVY RAIN CAN CAUSE LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE FLASH FLOODING. WHEN IT IS RAINING, THINK FLASH FLOODS !Heavy rainfall, even for short periods, may be followed by flash flooding in mountain or hilly areas. When you go into remote areas:Stay away from natural streambeds, arroyos, and other drainage channels during and after rainstorms. Water runs off the higher elevations very rapidly.Never camp on low ground. A flash flood can catch you while you sleep.Use your maps. Know where you are and whether you are on locally low ground.Remember: you don't have to be at the bottom of a hill to be a target for flash flood dangers.Know where the high ground is and how to get there. Stay out of flooded areas.Keep alert to signs of wet weather, either rain where you are or signs of rainΓÇöthunder and lightningΓÇö nearby.Keep as informed as you can. If you are out of range of broadcast information, be sure to watch for these indicators of flash flooding: increase in the speed of river flow, rapid rise in river level. BE PREPARED TO MOVE TO SAFETY.FLASH - FLOOD WATCH:Heavy rains may result in flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepared for the possibility of a flood emergency which will require immediate action.FLASH - FLOOD WARNING:Flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in the specified areas. Move to safe ground immediately.A NOTE TO COMMUNITY LEADERS:The National Weather Service has developed several basic methods which communities can use to provide public flash-flood warnings. For details, write: Flash Flood, National Weather Service, NOAA, Silver Spring, Md. 20910."Flash Floods." For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. NOAA/PA 73018 March 1981. US Government Printing Office 1982 - 360-009 - 227/2032.</text>
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card_5939.xml
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<text>FLOODS,FLASH FLOODSAND WARNINGSFloods are a natural and inevitable part of life along the rivers of our country. Some floods occur seasonally when winter or spring rains, coupled with melting snows, or torrential rains associated with tropical storms, drain small tributaries and fill river basins with too much water, too quickly. other floods are sudden, resulting from heavy localized rainfall. These flash floods are raging torrents which rip through river beds, urban streets, coastal sections, and mountain canyons after heavy rains, and sweep everything before them.The transformation of a tranquil river into a destructive flood occurs hundreds of times each year throughout the United States. No area of the United States is completely free from the threat of floods. On the average, each year over 300,000 Americans are driven from their homes by floods; 200 persons are killed; and around $2 billion worth of property is damaged or destroyed. Floods are also great wasters of water one of our priceless natural resources.NOAA, the U.S. Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, keeps a round-the-clock, round-the-calendar surveillance on the Nation's rivers and is prepared to issue warnings when the threat of flooding occurs. A watch on Nation's river systems is maintained by National Weather Service River Forecast Centers located throughout the country. The River Forecast Centers produce flood forecasts for the major river systems and flash flood guidance for the smaller streams and headwater regions. National Weather Service Forecast Offices use this guidance information to issue flood warnings and flash flood watches to the public. Flash flood warnings are issued by National Weather Service Offices, that have the local and county warning responsibility.FLOOD WARNINGSFlood warnings are issued as an advance notice that a flood is imminent or is in progress at a certain location or in a certain river basin. Floods begin when soil and vegetation cannot absorb falling rain or melting snow, and when water runs off the land in such quantities that it cannot be carried away quickly enough in normal stream channels; or cannot be retained in natural ponds and man-made reservoirs. The National Weather Service issues flood forecasts and warnings when the rain that has fallen is enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks, and when melting snow combines with rainfall to produce similar effects.Flood forecasts and warnings along major tributaries can be issued hours to days in advance of the flood peak. On major rivers, flood forecasts can be issued days or even weeks in advance. This is because smaller streams can reach flood stage quickly while the rise on major rivers usually is more gradual.Early flood warnings provide time for people in threatened areas to prepare, and by preparing to lessen damage from the flood.Residents of low-lying areas have time to move personal property, mobile equipment, and livestock to higher ground.Sometimes valuable crops can be harvested in advance of a destructive flood.Emergency and relief organizations can prepare to handle refugees and to combat the inevitable health hazards caused by floods.Flood warnings are forecasts of impending floods, and are distributed to the public by the NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio and television, and through local emergency agencies. The warning message tells the expected degree of flooding, the affected river, when and where flooding will begin, and the expected maximum river level at specific forecast points during the event or flood crest. If you live in an area that experiences flooding periodically, prepare in advance for the possibility that you may have to face a flood situation, listen for the flood warning, and when you hear it, respond quickly. Careful preparation and prompt response will reduce property loss and ensure personal safety.FLASH FLOOD WATCH AND WARNINGSA flash flood watch is issued when flash flooding is possible within the designated watch areaΓÇö be alert.A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood has been reported or is imminentΓÇötake necessary precautions.No area is immune to flash floods.ΓÇó On small streams, especially near the headwaters of river basins, water levels may rise quickly in heavy rainstorms, and flash floods can begin before the rain stops falling. There is little time between detection of flood conditions andthe arrival of the flood crest. Swift action is essential to protect life and property.ΓÇó Flash floods also occur in or near mountainous areas where torrential thunderstorm rains can quickly change a dry water course or trickling little brook into raging treacherous torrents of water. Desert washes, particularly near mountains, can go from dry to flood stage within minutes as a result of thundershowers many miles away and out of sight or hearing of the flash flood site.Urban flooding can occur in any terrain and is particularly aggravated by urbanization where natural cover has been removed by the construction of buildings, roads, and parking lots. Heavy rains can result in flash flooding, inundating cars and causing considerable damage to residential and industrial properties located along the stream channels. Streets can become rivers and basements, indoor swimming pools! National Weather Service flash flood or flood warnings and statements will advise you of areas where flooding is most likely to occur. Remember, safety for your family and property depends upon you! Learn to recognize environmental clues and to act quickly.BibliographyU.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service. "Floods, Flash Floods and Warnings" NOAA/PA 81010. 1981.</text>
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card_6298.xml
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<text>FLOOD SAFETY RULESBefore the flood:ΓÇó Keep materials on hand such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber.ΓÇó Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up in sewer drains.ΓÇó Arrange tor auxiliary electrical supplies for hospitals and other operations which are critically affected by power failure.ΓÇó Keep first aid supplies at hand.ΓÇó Keep your automobile fueled; if electric power Is cut off, filling stations may not be able to operate pumps tor several days.ΓÇó Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration; electric power may be interrupted.ΓÇó Keep a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment, lights and flashlights In working order.ΓÇó Know your elevation above flood stage.ΓÇó Know your evacuation route.When you receive a flood warning:ΓÇó Store drinking water in clean bathtubs and in various containers. Water service may be interrupted.ΓÇó If forced to leave your home and time permits move essential items to safe ground; fill fuel tanks to keep them from floating away; grease immovable machinery.ΓÇó Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.During the flood:ΓÇó Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.ΓÇó Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream where water is above your knees.ΓÇó Do not attempt to drive over a flooded roadΓÇöyou can be stranded or trapped. The depth of water is not always obvious.After the flood:ΓÇó Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters.ΓÇó Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.ΓÇó Seek necessary medical care at nearest hospital. Food, clothing, shelter, and first aid are available at Red Cross shelters.ΓÇó Do not visit Disaster areas; your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.ΓÇó Do not handle live electrical equipment In wet areas; electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.ΓÇó Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches, to examine buildings, flammables may be inside.ΓÇó Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.FLASH FLOODSFlash flood waves, moving at incredible speeds, can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Killing walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet. You won't always have warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming.WHEN A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA OR THE MOMENT YOU FIRST REALIZE THAT A FLASH FLOOD IS IMMINENT, ACT QUICKLY TO SAVE YOURSELF. YOU MAY HAVE ONLY SECONDS.ΓÇó Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.ΓÇó Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your knees.ΓÇó It driving, know the depth of water in a dip before crossing. The road bed may not be intact under the water.ΓÇó If the vehic!e stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher groundΓÇörapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.ΓÇó Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.ΓÇó Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.DURING ANY FLOOD EMERGENCY, STAY TUNED TO YOUR NOAA WEATHER RADI0, COMMERCIAL RADI0, OR TELEVISION STATION. INFORMATION FROM NOAA AND CIVIL EMERGENCY FORCES MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE.BibliographyU.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service. "Floods, Flash Floods and Warnings" NOAA/PA 81010. 1981</text>
