There are different types of flooding in The USA

Floods in the USA

In the USA, there are two main types of flooding: flash floods and river floods. Flash floods generally cause loss of life, and river floods generally cause loss of property.

  • Flash flood occurs when runoff from excessive rainfall causes a rapid rise in the water height (stage) of a stream or normally-dry channel. Flash floods are more common in areas with a dry climate and rocky terrain because lack of soil or vegetation allows torrential rains to flow overland rather than infiltrate into the ground.

  • River flooding is generally more common for larger rivers in areas with a wetter climate when excessive runoff from longer-lasting rainstorms and sometimes from melting snow causes a slower water-level rise over a larger area.
helpful tips for flood damage clean-up
  • Consider the hazards in your clean-up operation and ways to reduce them to an acceptable level
  • Be on the lookout for live power
    • Stay at least 30 feet away from fallen or broken powerlines
  • Use the right tool for the right job
    • Check the correct equipment is available and is in good working order
  • Do not perform task you are not competent with
    • Ensure that the people required to operate the equipment have the right skills and competencies
  • Be aware of slippery wet areas
    • Take care, don't rush , Keep your eyes on the path
  • Be mindful of sharp objects hidden under mud and debris
    • Wear gloves

    • Any suspected services should be uncovered by hand digging and clearly marked to be visible to plant operators on site

  • Avoid manual handling injuries/ muscle strain - musculoskeletal disorders
    • Ensure correct manual handling procedures
    • If items are of a considerable length or weight, then ensure a 2 (or more) person lift and carry
    • Stand firmly in braced position before exerting force
    • Bend your knees
    • Do not overreach
    • Keep the load close to your body
  • Avoid back injuries
    • Bend at the knees
    • Bend knees, firmly grasp the load with the back slightly curved slowly raise by straitening the legs, keep the load as close as possible to the body

    • Never twist the back with a load

  • Avoid injury when cleaning up a with rake or shovel
    • Inspect rake or shovel for defects or damage (e.g., splintered, loose, bent, or cracked tool handles, loose connections, and damaged tines or blade)
    • Before shovelling, inspect the area for obstructions such as cables and pipes
    • Wear gloves
    • When shovelling, stand upright and bend your knees so your legs carry most of the load
    • Never twist your trunk when raking or moving a shovel load. Always turn your feet and body in the direction where you wish to pile debris or spread or drop the shovel load.
    • Never overextend your arms or shoulders to load a shovel
    • Lift the shovel load by straightening your legs
    • Keep your arms and elbows close to your body when handling a shovel load
    • Shovel loads should not be thrown above about 1200mm or further than about 900mm
    • When raking, stand upright and use the rake to pull debris or dirt towards you
    • When raking or shovelling for long periods, vary your arm and leg positions and movements
    • Never lay a garden rake down with the teeth pointing up – the teeth should always be pointing down
  • Be cautious of structural members unsecured/ possible collapse
    • Never stand or traverse under an unstable structure

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