WICHITA FALLS MAN
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FLOODS
This FEMA work is in the public domain.
Be Prepared for a Flood
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. It is the most common natural disaster in the United States.
All of this information can be found on the hazard's Information Sheet.
Quick Facts
Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surge, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning. Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, create landslides.
Words to Know
Flood Watch:
A message that flooding is possible and to listen to local radio or TV news and weather for more information. You may receive an alert on a cell phone.
Flood Warning:
A message that flooding will occur soon, if it hasn't already, and to move to higher ground or evacuate immediately.
Flash Flood:
A flood that can happen within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or city drains overflowing.
Levee/Dam:
A manmade structure to contain or prevent water from moving past a certain point.
Protect Yourself Key Messages
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Determine your best protection based on the type of flooding.
Evacuate if told to do so. Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
Stay where you are.
Featured Protective Actions
Protect your property from floodwaters and purchase flood insurance.
Plan for sheltering where you are and for evacuation.
Evacuate if advised.
Seek high ground (flash floods) or stay on high ground.
Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters, Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.
Depth and velocity is not always obvious; the ground or road may suddenly wash away and hidden dangers may exist; do not attempt to evacuate through flood waters.
Know how to avoid injury from debris, contaminated water, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and damaged buildings and infrastructure.
Seek professional review or inspection of structures and utilities before entering buildings that have been flooded.