The Flood of 1913 in the
Rivers of the Ohio and
Lower Mississippi Valleys
by Alfred Henry

(click here)
.

Flooding can occur without warning and is especially dangerous for several reasons. It can wash away vehicles and mobile homes and cause
extensive property damage. Seniors and individuals who need special assistance or cannot swim face a heightened risk of drowning. Finally,
downed power lines can fall into pools of water and cause electrocution.

Familiarize yourself with the following terms to stay alert and prepared.

  • Flood/Flash Flood Watch - conditions are favorable for flooding in the next day or two. Flash floods occur very quickly, usually as a result
    of heavy rainfall in a short period of time.
  • Flood Warning - flooding is expected to threaten life and property a few hours after the onset of heavy rain, ice jams, reservoir releases
    or snow melt. Flood warnings may be in effect for days or even weeks depending on weather and soil conditions, land topography, and
    river size.
  • Flash Flood Warning - rapidly rising water which poses an immediate threat to life and property within a few hours due to small stream or
    urban flooding and dam or levee failures. Quickly move to higher ground or stay away from flooded areas - especially in vehicles.
  • Flood Statement - ponding of water in urban areas or minor flooding of streams is occurring. Also used to convey supplemental
    information, updated observations, and impact information for Flood Warnings.

Before a Flood

  • Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your ho
  • Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
  • Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home.
  • Construct barriers (levees, beams, sandbags, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
  • Keep an adequate supply of food, drinking water, and flashlights (with extra batteries) in case you are trapped inside your home.
During a Flood

  • Seek higher ground. Do not wait for instructions.
  • Be aware of flash flood areas such as canals, streams, drainage channels, and underpasses.
  • Be ready to evacuate with your Emergency Supply Kit.
  • If time allows, move essential items to upper floors. If instructed, turn off main valves and switches. Avoid electrical equipment if you
    are wet or standing in water.
  • If you must leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately.

After a Flood

  • Avoid floodwaters. Do not let children play in the water.
  • Be aware of areas where water has receded. Roadways may have weakened and could collapse.
  • Avoid downed power lines and muddy water where power lines may have fallen.
  • Return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Discard food that may have been contaminated.
  • Check on sewage systems. If damaged, these can be a serious hazard.

Emergency Preparation

Being prepared for a flood can not only help keep your family safe, it can also help minimize potential flood damage and accelerate recovery
efforts.

Along with flood insurance, you can also protect yourself by safeguarding your home and possessions, developing a family emergency plan,
and understanding your policy.

Learn how to deal with a flood, both before and after it happens, right now..
60 South Fourth Street
McConnelsville, Ohio 43756

Phone: 740.962.3900
Fax: 740.962.3901
Email: morganema58@yahoo.com
.
..
Flooding
Preparedness—Response
Morgan County EMA/OHS
All Rights Reserved
2015
Recovery—Mitigation
The Flood of 1913 in
the Rivers of the
Ohio and Lower
Mississippi Valleys
by Alfred Henry

(click here)
Morgan County Emergency Management Agency
and
Office of Homeland Security