Flood Safety

Flooding poses tremendous danger to both people and property. Since 1900, floods have taken more than 10,000 lives in the United States alone.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. A home located in a Special Flood Hazard Area has a 26 percent chance of sustaining flood damage during the life of a 30-year mortgage compared to a 4 percent chance of fire damage in that same time period.

Floods are destructive, life-threatening events. Each Mohave County resident should do their part to protect themselves, their family and their property during a flood event. The Flood Control District encourages all residents to:

• Always comply with regulations when building or maintaining property in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) by elevating or reinforcing your home.
• Purchase flood insurance for your property. 
• Follow safety guidelines during storms and floods, especially when near flooded washes and riverbeds.

Flash Floods

A flash flood is a torrent of water rushing through a normally dry or low-flow creek, stream, wash, ravine and culvert, or through other low-lying areas.

During a rainstorm, normally dry waterways can quickly become raging rivers due to water running off mountains and higher elevations onto the flat terrain below.

Flash floods are life-threatening situations that can strike without warning. 

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the ground for firmness in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Six inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down as well as cause loss of control and possible stalling in a vehicle.
• One foot of water will float many vehicles and two feet of water can carry away most vehicles including four wheel drive sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.
• Nearly half of all flash flood-related fatalities involve motorists. Most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake trying to navigate through flood waters.

Find out from the Flood Control District if you live in or near a Special Flood Hazard Area.

Planning Ahead

• If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials, such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer and saw, shovels and sandbags.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if you are located in an area susceptible to flooding or located in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
• Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins.
• Make sure everyone knows how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Your Family:

• Stay in touch through current media outlets such as radio, television, Twitter or Facebook.
• Learn the flood warning signs and community alert signals in your area.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Plan and practice a family evacuation route and alternatives.
• Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during floods, have a plan for getting back together. The Red Cross or Ready.gov have Emergency Plans available for use.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact."
• Make sure that all family members know how to respond before, during and after a flood.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.  
• If your community has an Emergency Flood Response Plan, make sure that you have a copy and know what  to do in the event of a  flood emergency.  Currently, Mohave County has one Flood Response Plan.  View the The Beaver Dam Flood Response Plan.
• Have disaster supplies on hand, such as flashlights and extra batteries; a portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; first-aid kit and manual; emergency food and water; non-electric can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes; and clothes for any emergency.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 and which radio station to tune into for emergency information.

Know Your Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch:  Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch:  Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning:  Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning:  A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.