Floods

  Floods are high water levels in a stream, lake, or ocean that can damage human facilities. Some floods can arrive suddenly and go away quickly when others can take days or months to build or get rid of. When floods occur in a place where people live, the large amounts of water can carry houses, bridges, cars, furniture and people. It can whip away trees and several other heavy items.

What causes Floods?

  Sometimes when it rains more than a drainage can take, there can be floods. Even heavy rains can cause floods in a short amount of time. Rain that continues over a couple days or weeks can also create flooding. The pictures below are some examples on how storm drains look when they overflow.

Storm drain overflow from rain

Storm drain overflow from rain

  When rivers overflow they can also cause flooding. This happens when there is more water upstream, and as it flows downstream the water can spill over the bank and flood the area around it. Streams can also be overflown by excessive rain.

A stream nearly overflowing

  Strong winds can carry sea water onto dry land and cause flooding. Sometimes rain can be carried with the waves, making the flooding worse. 

Ocean Beach San Diego flood

    Heavy snow during the winter months can also cause flooding. When the snow melts, it stays in one place which results in a lot of water in one area.

Winter flood caused by the rapid thawing of ice and snow

Winter flood

  Effects of Flooding

  During floods roads, bridges, houses, and automobiles can be damaged. People can become homeless or hurt, and it could take a while to come back from a hazard even if police and other emergency services help. 

  Bodies of water can be contaminated and several people and animals can be killed. Flooding can also bring in a lot of diseases and infections. 

  Preventing Floods

  In some cases, we could build sea walls to prevent waves from pushing water onto shore. 

  These sea walls can reduce the amount of water

that spills onto shore. 

  

  

 We could also construct retaining walls. These types of walls are built to hold extra water from flooding. Lakes, dams, and reservoirs can work as retaining walls. 

Retaining wall to prevent flooding

  Sand bags can also be placed by waters to help retain floods.
   


  Before Floods

1.   Keep emergency numbers first aid kits handy.
2.   Make sure all of your important items are secured.                 

  During Floods

1. As soon as floods start make sure everyone is safe, and try to get to higher ground.
2. Turn off all electrical appliances.
3. Do not drive through the water.
4. Stay away from power lines and flood waters. The water might contain harmful chemicals.

  After Floods

1. Make sure you have permission to enter your house.
2. Keep all electrical appliances off until the house is properly cleaned.
3. Clean your entire house since the waters could have contaminated everything.
4. Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning.