ORLANDO, Fla. – All of Central Florida is under a flood watch as Hurricane Milton gets closer to the Gulf Coast.
Areal flood watches are usually issued for several counties for a time and are meant in part to get one thinking of a plan of action in case the water starts rising on them, according to the National Weather Service.
More narrowly issued, but not out of the question, are flash flood warnings and emergencies.
A flash flood warning will be issued to a smaller and more specific area when dangerous flash flooding is happening either then or soon, with excessive heavy rain or the failure of a dam or levee among examples of scenarios where this could play out. So, too, could a flash flood emergency be issued, yet the National Weather Service clarifies these alerts are exceedingly rare and are only issued when extremely heavy rain leads to catastrophic damage and severe threats to human life; typically, the NWS states, emergency officials would theoretically already be reporting water rescues and/or evacuations in the case a flash flood emergency is declared.
According to the National Hurricane Center, much of Central Florida has been highlighted with a high risk (70%) of flash flooding over the next three days, with the highest chances prevalent through Thursday morning. Areas southeast of Orlando are largely highlighted for a moderate risk (40%) of flash flooding, with chances diminishing the further south you go.
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It’s recommended first and foremost that you stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches and culverts, yet guidance from the National Weather Service includes what should be done not only before a flood, but during and after as well.
Before a flood
- Create a communication plan
- Whether it’s having a specific person designated to contact for status updates or a safe location to meet up in case of separations, having a plan is a crucial part of having peace of mind in case of disaster.
- Assemble an emergency kit
- Prepare at least three days of food, water and medicine. Keep in mind that water service may be impacted, necessitating a supply of clean water from other sources than the tap. Be sure to prioritize shelf-stable food that requires minimum cooking or preparation. Take inventory of batteries, blankets, flashlights, first aid, rubber boots and gloves and a weather radio.
- Know your risk
- Do your due diligence and determine whether you are located in a floodplain. From there, devise how best to get to higher ground in case of a flash flood.
- Prepare your home
- Flash floods can occur within minutes, so now is the time to ensure you’ve done what you can to protect your home from flood waters.
- Use sandbags or other damming materials to protect your home if you have the time to do so.
- Ensure your electric circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home.
- Though the following point is more general than last-minute advice, check in with your insurance company to verify and/or purchase flood coverage.
- Not only do many flood insurance policies take at least 30 days to go into effect, but insurance companies typically stop issuing such policies altogether if a threat of flooding is noted, such as during a hurricane’s approach.
- Along those early-prep lines, it’s also a good idea to have check-valves installed within a home’s plumbing system to prevent flood waters from entering through your drains.
- Prepare your family and pets
- Pack in advance and don’t wait until the last minute to gather essentials for yourself, your family and/or your pets.
- Consider boarding your pets at a facility well away from flooding danger.
- Charge your essential electronics
- Leave
- If you know yourself to be in a flood-prone area, it’s recommended that you evacuate yourself early and don’t wait to be ordered to leave.
- Consider making spare arrangements for a safer place to stay, such as at a hotel.
During a flood
- Stay informed
- Listen to storm coverage on your TV and cellphone as long as it’s available to you, as well as on your weather radio. Updates may also come down via the internet, such as the social media accounts of your local and state government entities.
- Get to higher ground
- If you receive notice of a flash flood warning, avoid the water at all costs and get to higher ground immediately.
- Obey evacuation orders
- Evacuate immediately if you’re told to do so. Lock your home and disconnect your utilities and appliances when you leave.
- Practice electrical safety
- Avoid any room where water covers electrical outlets or cords are submerged. Run the other way if you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises.
- Avoid flood waters
- Do not walk or drive through flood waters. Just 6 inches or moving water can knock you off of your feet and only 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV.
- If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if you can.
After a flood
- Stay informed
- Stick with your local news, as well as the aforementioned governmental social media accounts and so on, for updated information about road conditions.
- Keep an eye out for boil water notices and ensure water is safe before drinking, cooking or cleaning with it.
- Never use a portable generator in your home, garage or any other enclosed space.
- Avoid flood waters
- Following the threat of moving water, the dangers of standing water include that of toxins and chemicals.
- Talk to family and friends about emergency visits if necessary and work on making things safe for your children and pets.
- Avoid disaster areas
- Your presence in a disaster area could hamper emergency operations.
- Heed road-closed and cautionary signs
- Wait for the All Clear
- Do not reenter a flood-damaged home without being given the All Clear by authorities. Once inside, be mindful of potentially weakened floors, ceilings and walls. Have an electrician check your wires if needed.
- Contact your family and loved ones
- Let your family and friends know if you’re OK, or otherwise.
- Contact your local Red Cross if needed.
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