FEMA | The EPA Blog
Witness to a Flash Flood
Amanda’s view during the flash flood
On Saturday, July 30, my boyfriend and I visited Ellicott City, Maryland to sightsee its historic downtown despite the rainy day. No one had any way of knowing that an otherwise ordinary day would end in such devastation. Everyone was chatting about the rain when an alarm hit our smart phones. Another summer storm, another flash flood warning, everyone glances at their phones and continues on with their evening.
Its 8:11 p.m., only a few minutes after the flash flood warning to our phones. The heavy rainstorm had turned into the warned flash flood in less time than I can comprehend. Everyone is glued to the windows in the front of the restaurant yelling over the sound of the raging water, watching even after the basement filled with water, power went out, and alarms came on. We continued watching for over an hour as the river of brown water swept away cars, rolled huge dumpsters, toppled street signs, cut the power lines, and raged like it would last forever.
By 9:33 p.m., the flood retreated and we took to the street to find our car while rescue squads ran in groups down the hill with large yellow rafts. The streets were full of terrified people, all looking unbelievably at the vast holes in the streets and buildings, totaled cars, and wreckage strewn before us.
My heart goes out to all of the people who were there, for the homes and businesses destroyed, and to the families and friends of the people who lost their lives.
These types of weather events happen very suddenly and there is only so much one can do to prepare. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an excellent resource for information on what to do in disasters, such as flash floods, and the agency has a downloadable FEMA mobile app as well. EPA also has helpful information, including natural disaster preparedness and response tips, flood resilience checklist, flood risk management resources, and flood cleanup resources for your home or businesses.
Hurricanes, severe storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires are increasing in frequency, intensity, or length. Communities are taking action and investing in their continued safety. EPA is partnering with other national and international programs, states, localities, tribes, and communities to develop policies and provide technical assistance, analytical tools, and outreach support on climate change issues.
On the news, I hear plans being discussed to rebuild Ellicott City to be even stronger and more resilient than before. In the height of all of the devastation, there is hope for the future.
Posted in Healthy Waters, Posted on August 4, 2016 | Tagged emergency preparedness, EPA Office of Emergency Management, extreme flooding, FEMA, natural disaster	
Posted in It All Starts with Science, Posted on August 1, 2014 | Tagged Disaster Response, Emergency Response, EPA Homeland Security Research, FEMA, GeoQ, I-Waste, innovation, IWaste, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Recovery Demo, resliency, ShakeMap, USGS, White House	
You Still Have Time To Get Ready
With NOAA’s revised hurricane season outlook for 2012 forecasting “above-normal” tropical storm activity for this year, I think it is timely to take several steps to get yourself and your family prepared before any hurricanes reach our shores. While the official hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin begins on June 1st, September has proven to be the most active month for hurricane activity in the U.S. statistically speaking. So, what can you do to get ready?
A common sense approach to hurricane preparedness or any type of emergency is ideal. Develop your own emergency supplies kit. What should this kit have?
Emergency phone numbers for your local utility companies and other basic services
Other tips for emergency preparedness:
If you take any medications regularly, have those prescriptions and other medical necessities on hand.
Store important family documents in a portable waterproof container. Keep that container on hand in case of an emergency evacuation.
Learn about hurricane evacuation routes in your area.
Fill your car up with gas before the storm hits.
Don’t forget to get your home ready in anticipation of a storm.
Remove clutter around the house that can easily become storm debris once the hurricane hits.
Clean up the rain gutters and downspouts well in advance.
If you have any leaks in your home, repair them before the storm hits. They will only become worse with torrential rains and hurricane winds.
Furthermore, use technology to your advantage. Now is a good time to sign up for text messages from FEMA to get regular updates via your mobile phone and social media platforms. And, as we’ve mentioned before, preparation will help you to be ready for the unexpected in the event of a storm or any other environmental emergency.
Posted in Our Planet, Our Home, Posted on August 13, 2012 | Tagged FEMA, hurricanes	