The National Weather Service, State Emergency Management officials and your local Emergency Management here in Bradford County encourage residents to update their Preparedness Plans. Flood Safety Awareness is important to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.

Floods can occur anywhere in the world at any time and are one of the most common weather hazards in the United States. Floods can affect any part of Florida and some can occur within a matter of minutes. Recent severe weather events causing flooding across the state remind Floridians that they should be prepared for the possibility of floods. We are all vulnerable to the dangers of flooding; it is important to learn about the different types of floods, where you can get flood information and what you can do to protect yourself, your family and your business in case flood conditions threaten your area.

"Be a Force of Nature"

Knowing your risks, take action and be an example where you live. Following these simple steps year round can help keep you and your loved ones safe when hazardous weather strikes:

• Keep tabs on the local forcast
• Create a disaster supplies kit
• Alert others via texts and social media when a flood threat or other hazardous weather threat exists!

"Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

Always practice road safety. If you ever encounter a road that is flooded, turn around and immediately move to higher ground. There is no way to know how deep the water is, how fast its moving, or what lies beneath it.

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and stalling.
• One foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-up trucks.
• One third of flooded roads and bridges are so damaged by water that any vehicle trying to cross only has a 50% chance of making it to the other side.

No matter how harmless the flood waters may appear, it is not worth risking life to reach your destination.

BUT if you do find yourself caught in a flood and rising water causes your vehicle to stall, get out of it immediately and seek higher ground.

"Know your Property Risk Profile"

It is very easy to determine your flood risk, all you need to do is take a quick “risk profile” at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. This site will also help you with what can be covered and how to obtain insurance.  On average, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other weather related event.

Since flooding is one of the most dangerous and life-threatening weather events, it is very important that you keep yourself and your home safe from this type of disaster. Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself and your family from devastating financial loss.  Since flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy, it's important to have an additional form of protection from these natural disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and this program works to offer flood insurance to property owners and renters.

If any citizen of Bradford County has any questions or looking for more information on flooding do not hesitate to contact our Emergency Management Office at 904-966-6336.