Did you know that there are different types of flooding and different ways to prepare for each? Read on to learn about coastal floods, flash foods, and river floods and what you can do to navigate this unwanted water. 

Coastal floods

Coastal floods, often caused by storm surges, result from a combination of high waves, tides, storm conditions, or intense precipitation. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the sea—a risk that is expected to worsen with climate change.

Coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico, like New Orleans, Louisiana, and cities on the East Coast, like Miami, Florida, are prone to coastal flooding, especially during hurricanes and tropical storms.

Individual preparedness 

Due to the conditions necessary to create coastal flooding, most residents will be made aware of the impending flood days prior to its occurrence, so evacuating is often the simplest option to preserve life and preparation for your home and property is possible.

Evacuation Plan: Know your community’s evacuation routes and plan where you will go if you need to leave your home.

Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and family members, in case of evacuation.

Storm Shutters and Sandbags: Install storm shutters on windows and have sandbags ready to protect against storm surges.

Flood Barriers: Consider installing temporary or permanent flood barriers around your property if you live in a high-risk area. HydraBarriers help divert water and are perfect for reducing the impact of storm surge on your property.

Flood Preparedness Infrastructure 

Coastal flooding is not a one time emergency, it is a recurring issue, making resilient infrastructure a critical long-term investment to save lives and reduce costs. Communities can take proactive steps.

Coastal Barriers and Seawalls: Constructing seawalls and other barriers can protect coastal cities from storm surges and rising sea levels.

Elevated Infrastructure: Designing roads, bridges, and buildings on stilts or elevated platforms can keep critical infrastructure above flood levels.

Wetland Restoration: Preserving and restoring coastal wetlands can act as natural buffers, absorbing wave energy and reducing flood risks.

Flash floods

Flash floods, or pluvial floods, are characterized by their rapid onset, often occurring within minutes to a few hours following intense rainfall or sudden water releases, such as dam failures. These events are particularly dangerous due to their high velocity and the limited time for warning and response.

Flash floods are common in the desert regions of the Southwest, where dry conditions mean that the ground can’t absorb sudden heavy rainfall quickly. The city of Phoenix, Arizona, often faces flash floods during monsoon season.

Individual preparedness 

As flash floods occur quickly and are often unpredictable it is up to each individual to do what is best in their situation. 

Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports, especially if you live in an area prone to sudden rain storms or near canyons and dry riverbeds.

Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit with supplies like water, food, medications, a flashlight, and a first aid kit in your car or easily accessible at home. A HydraPump, a smart pump which stands ready to detect water, can help get rid of any water that manages to get into your home, allowing you to keep a safe, dry place to bunker down.

Quick Escape Routes: Know the fastest routes to higher ground and avoid areas like canyons and low-lying spots that can flood quickly.

Avoid Driving: Never drive through flooded areas. Flash floods can wash away vehicles in minutes.

Flood Preparedness Infrastructure 

City planning is often what makes or breaks flash floods, if an area is not properly prepared for an excess of water, they are not properly prepared to keep their citizens safe.

Drainage Systems: Designing cities with advanced drainage systems, including permeable pavements, can quickly direct rainwater away from streets and homes.

Early Warning Systems: Implementing advanced weather monitoring and warning systems can give residents timely alerts to evacuate or take precautions.

Retention Ponds and Basins: These can be built in vulnerable areas to temporarily hold excess rainwater, reducing the speed and volume of runoff.

Zoning for Low-Impact Development: Encourage low-impact development that minimizes impervious surfaces and maximizes natural water absorption.

River floods

Riverine floods occur when rivers overflow their banks, usually after prolonged rainfall or rapid snowmelt. These floods can cause widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. 

The Mississippi River, one of the largest river systems in the U.S., frequently experiences river flooding, especially during spring when snow melts and after heavy rainfall. States like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri often see this type of flooding.

Individual preparedness 

If you live near a river, it's essential to be aware of the flood risks.

Know Your Risk: If you live near a river, check if your home is in a floodplain by consulting local flood maps.

Elevate and Seal: Elevate important utilities like the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel above potential flood levels. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds. HydraSorber are perfect to protect small gaps under doors to keep the water out.

Flood Insurance: Consider purchasing flood insurance, as standard homeowner’s insurance often doesn’t cover flood damage. HydraTarps are a good way to protect and secure your possessions inside and outside your home, you don’t need to worry about insurance for damages if it isn’t damaged.

Evacuation Plan: Have an evacuation plan and know the safest routes to higher ground in case the river overflows.

Flood Preparedness Infrastructure 

Floods are complex events that require coordinated community efforts for effective prevention, response, and recovery. River floods are inevitable in areas near rivers, the unpredictable part is exactly when it will happen, and how much flooding will occur when it does, so coordinated efforts are essential for effective prevention, response, and recovery.

Floodplain Zoning: Cities can designate floodplains as non-development zones or limit construction to flood-resistant structures. This reduces the risk of damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Levee and Dam Construction: Building and maintaining levees, dams, and reservoirs can help control river water levels and reduce the likelihood of floods.

Greenbelts and Buffer Zones: Establishing greenbelts or buffer zones along rivers can absorb floodwaters, reducing the impact on developed areas.

Floodwater Diversion Channels: Constructing diversion channels can reroute excess river water away from populated areas during high-flow events.