According to reports from the National Weather Service (NWS), billions of dollars of homes, properties and valuables were lost due to flood damage. In the 90’s alone, over $50 Billion of taxpayers’ money were recorded as lost, and more so in the succeeding years. Flood damage has not only resulted in financial loss but has also taken lives and has caused severe anguish and suffering for millions of flood victims throughout the world.
While some have blamed climatic changes as the culprit behind recent floodings, others have blamed the government for lacking or implementing misleading policies. Other blamed the inadequacies of flood control programs. Whether these allegations are true or not, it would be more fruitful if everyone would stop the blaming and focus on strengthening the first line of defense against flood damage – in the homes of every individual of this nation and of the world.
Many individuals are downplaying the importance of flood control readiness and most have adopted a stance of complacency in this regard. Many believe that flood damage will not affect their areas, particularly those in highly urbanized settings, and will not take heed of early warnings to an impending disaster.
These beliefs persisted, until everything was too late.
Take New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina for example. Only 90 percent of the residents heeded the Government’s call for evacuation, while the rest opted to stay in their homes. Most believed that they would be safe in their homes and decided not to leave, despite the insistent call for evacuation by federal agencies. These beliefs were shattered when the inevitable came – the city’s federally built levees broke. Millions upon millions of gallons of water rushed in, covering 80% of the city’s land area in probably one of the worst flood damage occurrence in the history of this nation. People who remained in their homes were horrified to see how fast the waters were rising, covering their surroundings, filling up their homes, until they have to scramble up their roofs and hang on for dear lives.
The effects of flood damage could be devastating. In some areas, whole houses where dislodged from their foundations and giant trees uprooted from their centuries-old habitat. All were swept away by the raging waters of the oncoming flood. And in the frenzy of it all, several lives were placed in danger, while others were claimed by nature, lost in obscurity in their watery graves.
Emergency preparedness should be instilled in the minds and hearts of people irregardless of where they are staying. Flood damage could strike at anytime, and even on places which were not primarily identified as disaster-prone areas. Education and awareness is a key element in preventing loss of lives and subsequent financial losses due to flood damage. It does not have to take a whole course on emergency responsiveness for people to learn the basics in preparing for and preventing disaster.
Even if they have the tendency to doubt the alerts and warnings from the federal government, people should bear in mind to heed these repeated calls and avoid disaster. Examples of these advisories are outlined below, and it would be wise to gain familiarity with these warnings, and more importantly, heed them when they are called.
* Flood Watch : high probability of occurrence of flooding in the area
* Flood Warning: occurrence of flooding already confirmed. Citizen’s are advised to be prepared for evacuation
* Flash Flood Watch: high probability of flash flood occurrence in the area. People are advised to be alert and monitor occurrence and to evacuate immediately upon short notice.
* Flash Flood Warning: Flash flood occurrence is imminent and could occur in minutes or in seconds. Take immediate evacuation.
* Urban / Small Stream Advisory: Flooding has occurred on streets, waterways and low-level areas. Travelling is discouraged until evacuation has been advised.
As in any emergency situation, preparedness is the key to survival. People should break down barriers in beliefs and have an open mind to facts as presented by experts – and heed their advice when the time comes. Doing so could spell the difference between life and death.
