If you live in a flood-prone area, you are probably aware of the dangers associated with flooding. One of the reasons floods are so dangerous is because they are so unpredictable.

1. Learning Essential Facts about Floods
If you live in a flood-prone area, you are probably aware of the dangers associated with flooding. One of
the reasons floods are so dangerous is because they are so unpredictable.
When people think of floods, usually a flash flood comes to mind. They picture a heavy, unexpected rain,
and then as a result of that rainfall, they see a flood quickly developing.
While this is often a common scenario, floods can develop in other ways as well. Some floods develop
slowly and gradually; these floods are obviously more difficult to detect because they are not overt.
Dam/Levee Failure
Floods can also follow from events such as dam or levee failure.
These floods are especially dangerous because they are extremely
sudden.
In the case of these sudden floods, not only is there a large influx
of water into an area, but the water is usually carrying large
amounts of debris like mud, rocks, and branches. The water is dangerous by itself; with the added
debris, the floodwater becomes increasingly dangerous.
Floods can even occur when rainwater or water from melting snow overflows underground pipes. This is
not a cause of flood that people generally think about, but in areas that receive a lot of snowfall, this can
be a common cause of flooding.
Areas that are prone to flooding
An important thing to remember is that certain areas are indeed more prone to flooding. If you live in a
low-lying area, near water, then your area is going to be more prone to flooding.
It is also important to realize and believe that even if you don’t live in a low-lying area, your area could
still flood. This is why, no matter where you live, it is important to be prepared in the event of a flood.
There are several simple ways that you can prepare for a flood. One essential way to prepare is to have
an emergency kit located somewhere near your house that is easily accessible.
One of the most popular and useful types of emergency kits is a 72 hour kit. The materials in a 72 hour
kit include food, clothing, and light for at least 72 hours.

2. 72 hour kits
72 hour kits have been known to save lives in
emergency situations. Another great way to
prepare for a flood is to have a family
communications plan.
This plan usually involves designating a family
member or friend who lives out of city (ideally
out of state) who each family member can call
to assure they are alright. If they are not alright,
they can give details about their situation to the
designated person.
If they do not call, then the family knows that something is wrong and they need to start looking for that
individual. It is not a situation that any family wants to find themselves in, but being prepared will help
relive a little bit of the stress.
Another essential way to prepare for a flood is to secure flood insurance. Flood insurance in Nashville is
particularly necessary because that is an area that is prone to flooding.
Many individuals in the Nashville area have been grateful that they have purchased flood insurance in
Nashville, because it has helped them save money on damages to their property due to flooding.
Photo Credit: SLGWV, Steven Vance