Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters--except fire. Most communities in the United States have experienced some kind of flooding, after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms, winter snow thaws, unusual rise of lakes, or surge of oceans and seas as a result of hurricanes or tsunamis.

Floods can be slow rising, especially in areas of broad expanses of flat land, where rains make their way down river, causing overflow of the banks and backflow into feeder streams. They can rise rapidly - in the mountains, at the foot of mountain streams, and during a storm surge.  Just as waters may rise rapidly or slowly, the flow of floodwater may be fast or slow. If you are faced with fighting floods or trying to prevent future damage, you need to know what type of flooding occurs in your area. 

For flood insurance purposes, a flood is defined as "a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties...from:

• Overflow of inland or tidal waters,
• Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or
• A mudflow" (NAIC, 2008).

Floods have impacts in agriculture (land, crops, harvests), and the built environment (homes and offices). Because of these physical impacts, there is a secondary impact on mental health, as well as family and business finances. Impacts can be reduced by Extension education immediately before, after and between floods.

In addition to knowing the nature of the flood, it is important to understand that a given flood-fight or mitigation technique proven to work on one soil type may not work on another; and that a home floodproofing project suitable for one climate and style of construction may not be suitable in another.

It is relatively easy, using the Internet or the library, to find solutions to flood problems, many of which can be employed by homeowners and small business owners. Educators and consumers should always check with your local experts and officials when selecting a flood protection system, to see what local conditions and factors may influence the success of your proposed solution.

Extension also has a role in reducing future flood damage and aiding communities in their flood damage prevention programs while working within traditional Extension program areas. Some examples would include:

• adding "Flood Insurance" to a First-Time Homebuyer program;
• adding flood risk consideration in local community and economic development plans; and
• participating in state and local hazard mitigation planning projects.

If your Extension Service provides training for newly elected community officials, the impacts of including flood-risk management in the curriculum could be enormous.

FEMA prepared the information below for their staff working in flooded areas.

Overview:

Floods and their aftermath can expose many threats to life and safety, depending on response and recovery efforts.  Workers who respond to flooded areas are most at risk.  Safety and health hazards can be expected in flood zone areas.

 Some hazards associated with floods and cleanups are listed below:

• Airborne microorganisms; microbial growth (e.g. bacteria and fungi)
• Heat stress
• Mosquitoes
• Slippery and unstable surfaces
• Fatigue or exhaustion from working long shifts
• Floodwater exposure; contaminated floodwaters
• Sharp or jagged debris
• Electrical hazards
• Contact with animal and human remains
• Air contaminants/Chemical exposures

Please contact your site safety and health official for area specific guidance.

General Safety:

• Seek immediate first aid treatment or medical evaluation for any injuries and illnesses.
• Report injuries or illnesses to your supervisor and site safety official.
• Do not walk through flowing or standing water.
• Do not drive through a flooded area.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
• Watch for animals, especially snakes.
• Look before you step.
• Be alert for gas leaks.

Personal Safety:

• Get Immunizations and be sure that they are current, e.g., Tetanus.
• Use hand sanitizer. Wash hands with soap and clean water, preferably.  When available, wash hands before work breaks, meal breaks and at the end of the work shift.
• Keep safe potable water close by for drinking and washing.  Consider all water unsafe until local authorities announce that the public water supply is safe
• Use insect repellant
• Use sunscreen
• Have watertight boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank; slip resistant).
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants.  This may decrease the risk of mosquito and other insect bites.

References:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2004). Floods. http://osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/floods.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Immunization Recommendations for Disaster Responders, http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/disease/responderimmun.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Hazard Based Guidelines: Protective Equipment for Workers in Hurricane Flood Response, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/pre-workers.html