FLASH FLOODS:
In the SEAL Survival Guide, Courtley defines flood as “An unexpected surge of flowing water”. Just reading that sentence, you get a feel for what a flood is. The adjectives like SURGE and FLOWING suggest something powerful, and potentially dangerous. In the U.S. flooding is the number one cause of weather-related deaths (Courtley, 2012). Common causes for flash floods include heavy rainfall, melting snow, or dam breaches. Some areas are more likely to experience flood than others. This may include places surrounded by rivers and lakes, or those at low elevations. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the U.S Geological Survey have maps showing likely flood areas (Courtley, 2012). This can be helpful when you’re deciding where to live, visit, etc.
WHAT TO DO:
DURING: If you are at home you should turn off all electrical power, close windows and get to the highest level. It may be helpful to bring a tool up to the highest level or possibly attic with you in case you have to escape through the roof (if flood waters get very high). If you are in a vehicle, Courtley suggests that you DO NOT attempt to drive through the water. I think that we assume we can handle certain conditions, and sometimes take risks like trying to drive through water and that could have serious consequences. If you find yourself in a situation where water rises rapidly around your car get out IMMEDIATELY. If you are outdoors, try to head towards the highest ground. You should try to avoid walking or swimming in floodwater, because during a flash flood it is often filled with dangerous debris and irregular currents (Courtley, 2012).
AFTER: Usually if the water is due to the flash flood, it will recede quickly. It is important to avoid getting into the water. Drink only bottled water because public drinking water will be contaminated. The best place to be until a safe means of evacuation arrives is usually your shelter, if it is secure and stocked up on water and nonperishable foods.
TSUNAMI:
“Harbor Wave” is what the word Tsunami means in Japanese. It is a massive wave caused by earthquakes or underwater volcanic eruptions on fault lines out in the Ocean. The wave builds up as it approaches the shoreline, and they can reach more than two hundred feet (Courtley, 2012). They cause an incredible amount of destruction and often give short notice of their approach. I remember reading about Tsunamis, and what scared me is how people rarely know when they are coming. I think that it is important to be alert and know that if an earthquake occurs, a Tsunami may follow. Courtley talks in the book about a Tsunami in Hilo Bay, where before the wave hit people noticed the Ocean receded from the tide line exposing schools of fish. People rushed out to get the fish, and were confronted by the massive wave. I have heard this story before, and it really shows how important it is to educate people on warning signs in order for them to be prepared. If these people had known that this was a sign a Tsunami was imminent, it would have saved lives.
References:
Courtley, C. (2012). SEAL Survival Guide. New York, NY: Gallery Books
think safety blog 