Facing Floods
- luanniewang
- Jul 9, 2025
- 3 min read
You may all be aware of the flooding currently taking place in Texas. Recently, I came across a news article about two sisters from Dallas, Blair and Brooke Harber, who tragically lost their lives in a Central Texas flood on July 4th. Their bodies were found 15 miles down the Guadalupe River, and the pair died holding hands. I find it so sad how these flash floods are taking young lives and devastating families, homes, and communities — so it’s fitting to dedicate this blog post to teach you all about how to survive and prevent floods.
What is flooding?
An overflow of water onto typically dry land.
How do floods happen?
Rain
Snow
Storm surges
Ocean waves coming on shore
Overflows of dams
Overflows of water systems
What about flash floods?
Flash floods are the most destructive type of flood (and floods are already the most common natural disaster in the US). They often happen when heavy rainfall exceeds the ground’s ability to absorb water, and can occur within minutes.
What places are at highest risk?
Densely populated areas with construction like parking lots that increase runoff.
Low places; basements, underground floors
Areas near rivers and dams
Recent burn areas in mountains
How to prepare
Sign up for any alert systems in your community.
Look out for warnings from Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
Make a plan: know evacuation routes, shelter plans, and what to do in the special case of a flash flood.
Prepare a first-aid kit or survival pack with non-perishable food, water, medical supplies, sanitary products, and any other necessities.
Keep valuables in waterproof containers and move them to the highest floors.
Make digital copies of important physical documents.
Install check valves, which prevent water from backing up into drainage infrastructure.
Types of flood advisories
FLASH FLOOD WATCH or FLOOD WATCH
A flood is possible in the area.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING or FLOOD WARNING
A flood has been reported or is imminent.
URBAN and SMALL STREAM ADVISORY
Flooding of small streams, streets and low-lying areas is happening.
FLASH FLOOD STATEMENT or FLOOD STATEMENT
Follow-up info on a flood.
What to do during a flood
Evacuate immediately unless told not to. Remember your evacuation plan and grab your survival pack, your loved ones, and any absolutely necessary valuables.
Don’t drive around barricades; local responders have placed them there for a reason.
Pay attention to alerting systems for instructions and info.
Don’t walk, swim, or drive through a flood. Remember: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
Stay in your car if it is trapped in the flood. If the water is rising inside, don’t panic and let it fill to the top — that’s the only way you can get out. The pressure in and out of the car will equalize once fully submerged and you will be able to easily open the door.
If stuck in a building, go to the highest floor or onto the roof and signal for help by making loud noises, flashing a mirror or light, or waving an item like a bright-colored shirt.
In the aftermath
Pay attention to authorities and alerting systems for instructions. Don’t go home until it is officially deemed safe.
Avoid driving if possible.
Wear protection while cleaning mold and debris.
People with asthma, people with other lung conditions, and people with immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks and mold growth.
Children should not be included in the cleanup.
Animals may be in your house.
Beware of electrocution; turn off the electricity if possible and do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.
Avoid wading in the floodwater. It can be contaminated, have dangerous debris, or be electrically charged.
What we can do to prevent floods
Obviously, improving anti-flood infrastructure and drainage systems — but from a much larger, worldwide viewpoint, rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events are all contributing to natural disasters like floods. We must cooperate as humans to refine our living, install initiatives, and make changes to combat climate change — for the safety of us all, and the safety of our future (this is really a recurring theme).
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