Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event, an average of $4.6 billion a year in the past 20 years (1984-2003). Flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at anytime of the year.

Floods can be caused by many different ways:

• When rainwater and run-off swells rivers and streams to go above and over their banks and surrounding defenses (dikes, levees, etc.)
• When a fast-falling rains and very poor drainage combine to cause an 'urban stream' to seemingly appear out of nowhere and put a river of water down city streets, someone's lawn, or just about anywhere else.
• When storm drains attempting to funnel water into rivers back up because the river height is now higher than the drain outlet itself, causing all the drainage to back up across property, even if the river itself is still in its banks.
• When a landfalling hurricane brings along 'storm surge' which basically elevates the sea level itself and pushes it onshore, effectively swamping anything along the coast.
• When a tsunami is generated off-shore and crashes on land, pushing a wave of water well inland.
• When monsoons swell rivers to a wider level on a seasonal (or larger) cycle, and leaves residents in the lurch if caught unaware of the normal process.

Even if homes themselves are not carried away from every flood, floods often cause many problems on other significant levels:

• Basements can be flooded out even if waters don't reach the house itself, because often what is known as the 'water table' (how far down one digs to reach water) can also elevate in a flooding situation, which would seep into the basement from below (or the sides).
• Buildings made of natural earthen elements or a weak foundation can actually be withered by flood waters.
• Utilities such as sewage and the general water supply can be severely damaged due floods. Ironically, a severe flood can often completely deplete available drinking water, because it can overpower a sewage plant, and contaminate drinking water reserves with polluted water.
• Agricultural interests could see their crops drowned out, or their equipment and implements rendered ineffective.
• Flooding can also negatively affect fishing and marine interests, both by damaging boats and moors, and also by affecting the fish and algae in the water itself.
• Often after floodwaters recede, besides all casualties to humans and livestock, any standing water immediately becomes contaminated and highly prone to infestation and disease.

Typically, at the residential level, there are two main types of floods, one or both occurring from any given storm.

Flash Floods - Flooding brought on by very quick falling rain. Often responsible for the flooding away from rivers and streams (though smaller streams can often be encited out of their banks due to flash flooding). Quickly forming, and quickly receding, often flash floods are over with within a few hours of the storm itself.

River Floods - Floods brought on by large scale run-off across an entire river basin. Many times residents themselves never experience any flash flooding, or notice rivers rising. It's a gradual process, but one that becomes unstoppable and long-lasting. Sometimes 12-hours after a storm residents near a river experience the worst level of flooding. In other cases, heavy rains that cause a large river to exceed its banks flows downstream in the form of a 'crest', affecting areas further downstream that may never have had heavy rainfall in the first place.

The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE will issue alerts related to flooding, so you can know ahead of time if you need to prepare.

A "Flash Flood Watch" (or "Flood Watch") will be issued if conditions brought on by an advancing or developing storm has the capability to produce flooding conditions.

A "Flash Flood Warning" (or "Flood Warning") will be issued if a storm currently affecting the area is causing flooding conditions.

Staying Safe in a Flood

There are several things you can do to stay safe during floods, and while living in a flood prone area.

BEFORE A FLOOD:

• Know Your location - Know if you live in a flood-prone area, and get a general idea of how much rainwater is going to give you problems.
• Pay Attention - If it's been raining hard for several hours, be aware of  the waters around you. Listen to television or radio broadcasts in case there's a Flood Warning issued.
• Examine Your House - See if there are ways to safely (and even cheaply) reduce your threat from a flood. Consider water-proofing your basement, or even just raising your furnace a few inches. Every little bit can save thousands when disaster strikes.
• Consider Flood Insurance - Many homeowners insurance policies DO NOT cover damage from flooding. You might want to investigate this opportunity if you find yourself in a flood prone areas. In some cases, flood insurance will not be available if you live right next to a river, or may not be paid out unless you agree to spend the claim money on relocating to a safer area.
• Keep All Important Documents Safe - Nothing destroys important things like water. You should make sure you have a copy of all important documents in a safe area (like a safe deposit box).
• Have A Family Disaster Plan - Know where to meet and when to meet there. Make sure everyone knows their role, and how to get to any place, or how to do whatever task.
• Create A Disaster Preparedness Kit - Floods tax all sorts of resources, so it is important to be ready. Any fuel element for anything is going to be depleted, so everything from batteries to gasoline, food and water, and even medical supplies to infant items, you're going to want extra amounts readily available.

WHEN FLOODING IS POSSIBLE: (Flood Watch Stage)

• Know Where Everything Is - Assemble some water-proof clothing, locate your disaster kit. Assess the safety of the important items in your home.
• Protect What You Can When You Can - Sometimes a flood takes a while to materialize, giving those who are aware time to take precautions. Sandbagging basement appliances (or event the front of the house) could be possible, as well as moving valuable furniture and items to higher floors of the house.
• Consider Your Plan - Make sure everyone knows where they're going to go, and how they're going to contact eachother. Charge the cell phones, gas the car, etc.

WHEN A RIVER FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED:

• Pay Attention To Media - Know the possible river crest height of the flooding water, and assess it's threat to your home and belongings. If you have time, take precautions. If told to evacuate...It's time to go!

WHEN A FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED:

• Think Quickly - Assemble your disaster supplies. Listen to warnings. Evacuate immediately if you think flooding is starting. You may only have a few moments to do so safely.
• Move To Higher Ground - The easiest way to stay safe from a flood is to be higher than it (or away from floodwaters - it's the same thing).
• Don't Be Stupid - Do NOT drive around barriers in roadways (they are put up for your safety). Do NOT attempt to drive across a flooded roadway with moving water. Mere inches of water can pick up your car with you in it, and carry it off downstream. Also, if your car stalls in flood waters, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground.