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Ready PA Monthly - March 2023
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Ask A Meteorologist
“Why is it flooding where it seemingly hasn’t ever flooded before?”
It’s March, and the theme is flood awareness. As a matter of fact, March 20-24, 2023, is designated by the National Weather Service (NWS) as Flood Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.
So first, let’s do a little thought exercise. Close your eyes and think of flooding. What comes to mind? Are you thinking of a raging river or stream? Is the water muddy? Ask a friend to do the same and compare your flooding thoughts. Most would likely vision a waterway overflowing its banks, with brown water gushing as tree limbs and other debris float by. This is a pretty common example of what a flood looks like, but would it be odd to imagine a flood in a neighborhood miles away from a major stream or river? How about along a hillside? No, these aren’t stories from a Dr. Seuss tale; these examples have happened right here in the commonwealth in recent years.
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PA Flood Awareness Week
March 20-24, 2023
Did you know Pennsylvania is home to over 83,000 miles of waterways? That’s over double the number of state roadways! Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania. Where it can rain, it can flood – so no matter where you live, you should be prepared for a flood emergency, but it’s especially important if you live near water, in a low-lying area, or downstream from a dam.
Why flood waters are so dangerous…
Only takes:
6 inches of moving water to knock a person off their feet
12 inches of water to float a car or small SUV
18 inches of water to carry away large vehicles
Do NOT:
Drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade, instead: Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc.
A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds. Also, standing water is not safe to walk in, drink, cook, or clean with after an emergency such as a flood. During and after flooding, water can become contaminated with microorganisms—such as bacteria, sewage, heating oil, agricultural or industrial waste, and other substances that can cause serious illness.
DO
Listen to radio & television, including NOAA weather radio, and check the internet & social media for information, updates, & alerts (you can sign up for alerts here)
Obey evacuation orders! If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
Move to the highest possible point and call 911, if possible, if you are trapped by moving water.
Remember to practice flood safety all year long… as flooding can happen during any season. To learn more flooding safety tips, visit here.
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Protect Your Home Against Flooding With These 6 Tips
1. Invest in Flood Insurance
Did you know an inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage? Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Do an annual “insurance check-up” with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage and amounts of coverage.
2. Take a Household Inventory & Protect Your Important Documents
Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these documents in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims. Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.
3. Take a Quick Walk Around Your Home
Check your foundation for any cracks. If you have them, use sealant, mortar or masonry caulk to fill them to help keep water out. Make sure that you clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid an accumulation of water.
4. Install a Sump Pump and Backflow Valve
Make sure you have a sump pump with battery-operated backup in case your electricity goes out. You can also consider hiring a plumber to install a backflow valve to push the flow of water and sewer backup away from your home.
5. Move Items Up
Raise and anchor air conditioning condensers, heat pumps, water meters and other service equipment onto platforms at least 1 foot above the potential flood elevation. Consider raising other major appliances above the ground floor.
6. Landscape to Improve Drainage
Build up any hollow areas around the foundation, dig small depressions to properly channel water, and otherwise improve your yard so it slopes away from your home.
Do you know what to do during a flash flood? Visit here for tips.
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Know Your Flood Terms
Flood Watch: Be Prepared! A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. It is typically issued for an area that is many counties in size and is usually issued 12 to 24 hours before flooding is expected to start. With the advance notice of a watch, you will have more time to prepare for flooding.
Flood Warning: Take Action Now! A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are under a flood warning, find a safe shelter right away.
Flood Types
Flooding (River) – An overflow of water onto normally dry land. Flooding is a longer-term event than flash flooding; it may last days or weeks.
Flash Flooding – A flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours.
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Change Your Clocks & Smoke Alarm Batteries
It may not feel like it, but this weekend it is time to “spring forward.” That means with the time change it is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Discharged or missing batteries are the most common cause of a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector malfunction. When functioning, smoke alarms can decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by as much as half. From the moment an alarm sounds, occupants may have as few as two minutes to safely exit the building. Often called “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can incapacitate victims before they are aware of exposure. Sources can include wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, gas fireplaces, appliances, grills, generators, and motor vehicles.
Homeowners unsure of how to maintain or install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can call their local fire service for advice. For more information about the fire service and fire safety tips to keep your loved ones safe, visit here.
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