Whenever there are pictures of impending hurricane landfalls, reporters very often show photos of bending palm trees that are accosted by the high winds which are part and parcel of the beginning phases of the hurricane when it comes ashore.  Quite often the reporters will also report on the increase in rainfall as the winds are beginning to pick up. It has been estimated that nine out of ten fatalities associated with the storm surge and are in fact due to drowning deaths of those who were either swept inland by surge, or later on dragged out to sea by it.

In addition, other fatalities are associated with the tornadoes that are quite often spawned by hurricanes.  What makes these twisters so insidious is the fact that it is impossible to predict which hurricanes will actually cause tornadoes and which will not.  Yet among those who track the many by-products of hurricanes, the phenomenon of inland flooding is quite often the most devastating.

Inland flooding has become a familiar term for most in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  You probably remember the photos of homes that were up to their roofs in water, even though they were miles and miles inland. Those who keep records of hurricane deaths have reported that the 1999 Hurricane Floyd caused 56 fatalities, 50 of which were directly related to drowning deaths because of inland flooding. It is a sobering reality that surviving the storm surge, the tornadoes, and even the high winds will still not guarantee survival of a hurricane because of this deadliest of by-products.

There are of course a number of things you can do to better your odds of survival. 

First and foremost, purchase flood insurance.  If there is any chance that your neighborhood may be in a flood zone, you should protect your biggest investment well ahead of any hurricane.

As hurricane season approaches, pack your memorabilia and other items you cannot replace – such as photos, autographs, and favorite books – into water right containers and store them in your attic.

Be aware of what is going on.  Have a battery-powered radio on your person, as well as plenty of back up batteries.  Have a survival pack ready, which carries flares, some medical supplies, and also food, but also drinking water and soap.

If you live in an area where flooding is a grim reality, make sure you have plenty of sandbags and other items on hand to see if you can protect your home during the worst phase of the disaster.

Make an evacuation plan.  If you have storm drains, rivers, or other bodies of water near your home, keep in mind that they will swell up to raging rivers in no time and may cut off your evacuation attempt, unless you have an alternate route.

If you are urged to vacate your home to get to higher ground, do not hesitate!  Many of the deaths associated with inland flooding could be avoided simply by getting out in time.

If you find that you are cut off by flooding water, resist the temptation to simply walk across it.  It takes less than eight inches of fast running water to sweep a person away, and even if you are a good swimmer, you might soon find yourself in over your head.

If you are in your vehicle, do not cross flooding waters either.  As little as six inches can cause your car to become buoyant and float down with the water which will increase in speed and may very well cost you your life.

 

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