‘Flooding Can Happen Anywhere’: Here’s How to Stay Safe

Dangerous flooding is becoming more commonplace in many cities. Urban flooding, especially, is a problem that puts millions of people at risk.

The flooding seen in big cities like New York and Seoul is an example of urban flooding—when rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of a densely populated area.

“We have seen a major uptick in floods over the past decade. We have a history of hurricanes in the U.S. from Katrina, to Harvey, to Sandy," said Brett Sanders, PhD, professor of civil and environmental engineering, urban planning, and public policy at the University of California, Irvine.

Urban areas flood because of the overwhelming amount of precipitation that comes from the storms, Sanders said. When rainwater isn’t absorbed into the ground, it becomes excess, also known as runoff. 

Many urban areas built their cities using concrete and asphalt that have little water absorbency. Once rainwater hits the concrete, it typically runs into the sewage. When it storms, the rainwater can overwhelm the sewage system, causing major floods. 

“Having a lot of concrete, pavement, and impervious areas contribute to flooding in cities like New York City and even Nashville where I’m at,” Janey Vanessa Camp, PhD, research associate professor in civil and environmental engineering at Vanderbilt University, told Verywell.

Additionally, the lack of green spaces can make urban areas especially flood-prone, Camp said. One report found that New York was ranked last among major U.S. cities in terms of green space per resident. Each New York City resident receives 146 square feet of greenery compared to 1,023 square footage per dweller in Atlanta, Georgia.

Why Flooding Is a Safety And Health Hazard

Trying to wade through fast-moving water can lead to drowning, Sanders said. “You can have a risk of being taken off your feet and losing your balance," she added.

There are also additional health risks associated with floods like potential injuries, hypothermia, and animal bites.

During a flood, sewage mixes with floodwaters, according to Sanders.

“All that raw sewage sits in our sewer lines," Sanders said. "So that means that anyone that’s coming in contact with the water is risking exposure to possibly toxic chemicals or pathogens that could make them sick."

Flooding also destroys properties, causing water damage to the infrastructure of houses and businesses. As a result of the water damage, “you could have mold or mildew in your home,” Camp said.

Exposure to indoor mold growth can lead to upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as a cough and wheezing. Ear, nose, and throat infections are also common.

Beyond the physical impact, there can be a mental one too. One research study found that after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, there was a small increase in mental health problems among evacuees and rescue workers, underscoring a flood’s adverse impact on mental health.

How to Prepare for a Flood

The Federal Government launched the Ready Campaign in February 2003 to help the American people prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural disasters. To prepare for a flood, they recommend: 

• Making an evacuation plan for members of your household, including your pets
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response
• Gather supplies such as non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water to last several days 

How to Stay Safe During A Flood 

Rozane Keppner, the owner of PuroClean Water and Fire Restoration, said when your home or business is flooding, the best thing to do is seek the highest ground. When seeking higher ground, Keppner said to avoid a closed attic.

“If you’re trapped in a building that’s flooding, go to the highest level," Keppner told Verywell. "Don’t climb into a closed attic, as rising floodwater may trap you."

You should also turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker to prevent electrocution. “Do not turn on electricity until local authorities have advised you to do so,” Keppner added.

“A lot of people don’t understand the force of water," Camp said. "When flooding occurs, people don’t heed the warnings. And then they travel across flooded roadways, and they have their vehicle swept away."

Therefore, Camp recommends following health officials' recommended precautions in order to stay safe.

How to Navigate the Aftermath of a Flood

If your home has flooded, there is a likelihood that the floods caused water damage, Keppner said. She recommends calling a specialized restoration company to assess the damage and its severity.

“You should immediately contact a specialized restoration company as water can cause mold and irremediable damage to the wood, walls, and carpet in your home,” Keppner said. After contacting a restoration company, contact your insurance company to file a claim.

“Flooding can happen anywhere, even in desert areas, or drier terrain,” Camp said. “You don’t have to live next to a river or stream to have flood damages. Understand your risk, and know what your options are so we can all be safe.”