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Refusal To Evacuate When Floods Threaten
Hurricane Ike was just one severe storm system that battered the Gulf coast area last season. The next time, it was Texas that suffered the most damage in the city of Galveston. Of course, this was not the only place where power was out and had homes and businesses flooded. Even though Ike was only a category two, the damage was wide spread because the storm was so large. Once again people were asked to evacuate their homes and head for higher and safer ground out of reach of the first impact of the hurricane along the coastal regions.
The vast majority of those who were asked to evacuate did. They had several days notice that the hurricane was coming. They still had time to board up their homes if they wanted to and make plans and arrangements to find someplace further inland to stay during and immediately after the storm. Advance warning can make all the difference for those who live in harms way. They can remove certain valuables from the home. Pets will not have to be left behind because there is no ready place to take them. Flood threats are so dangerous and some people who have experienced them before should know they are not to be taken lightly.
Even though many people do have the good common sense to leave a flood threatened area while they have a chance, there are always those who choose to ride out the storm and take their chances. They might have experienced some false alarms in the past where they were asked to evacuate and did. When they returned and discovered that very little or no harm had been done, it might be enough to make them a little braver the next time.
Why do they not realize that it only takes one time when things pan out like forecasters are predicting to place themselves and their family in extreme jeopardy? Many times these same people will misjudge the danger and end up having to be rescued because of there decision not to leave. Even though there are measures in place to do these rescues when there are natural disasters, it costs taxpayers millions of dollars to carry them out.
One reason that many people will tell you they choose to stay instead of evacuate is that it cost money they might not have to leave. If they have no friends or relatives to go to, they will have to take refuge in a shelter or motel. Some are afraid to leave their home unprotected from looters or vandals. Although these might sound like logical reasons, they really are not. When the power will likely be out and they become trapped because roads and bridges are flooded, they will probably end up wishing that they did get out while they could.
The Rushing Water Of Flash Floods
In the spring time everyone welcomes the gentle rains that make the trees and flowers bloom. Farmers love it when the warm weather comes and the rain falls so that their seeds will sprout and begin to grow. Life is renewed and it is always pleasant to know that warm weather has come at last after the cold of winter. This is the ideal situation, but it does not always turn out that way.
Many times with spring the gentle rains can turn into torrential down pours for some parts of the country. This is what happened in parts of the Midwestern United States this year. The rains that were expected came and then they came some more. They came until many areas became flooded and farmers lost many of their precious crops because they were under water.
Besides the farmers who lost a lot of their income because of the unusually wet weather, home owners and other businesses sustained extensive damage as well because of flooding. Some of these building were damaged even more because the water came in the form of flash floods. This happens when creeks and rivers overflow their banks and the water can come rushing into areas where it does not belong. The thing about rushing water is that is can seldom be stopped and it goes where it wants to.
Roadways can be flooded quickly and any cars that might be on them at the time can be suddenly swept away. This is why it is so dangerous for motorists to try to drive on or cross a road that has a goodly amount of standing water. You can never tell when the water from will come rushing in from upstream some where and wash you and your vehicle away.
Rushing flood water can be strong enough to wash homes and other buildings completely off of their foundations. This is also why it is so important to pay close attention to the weather stations when they issue flash flood watches and especially warnings. If you are in an area where a flash flood watch has been issued, it is essential that you be ready to flee in an instant should a warning be given. You might only have a few precious minutes to get you and your family to a safer place. Have an emergency kit ready to take with you at all times.
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