  
A flash flood is the fastest-moving type of flood. It happens when heavy rain collects in a stream or gully, turning the normally calm area into an instant rushing current. - Usually there is little warning.
- Everyone, everywhere is susceptible to flashflooding.
Even if an area never experienced flooding before, changes in land use - for instance, when new residential or commercial development occurs - may result in a flashflood during storm events. New development can change when and where stormwater flows. If you own a home or rent an apartment in a jurisdiction that is a National Flood Insurance Program Member then you can AND SHOULD purchase flood insurance to protect your family, your property and your possessions. If your community is not a member of the National Flood Insurance Program, talk to your local government about becoming a member now! For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program GO TO www.FLOODSMART.GOV | Protect your home and family!Hurricane Katrina is a painful example of loss due to flooding and dam or levee failure. The cost of rebuilding for anyone without flood insurance will not be covered by any other form of insurance including homeowners insurance. |
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Flashflooding is possible in your area NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE. What you can do.. - Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.
- Be especially careful at night when it's harder to see flood dangers.
A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. What you can do... If you are outdoors and a flash flood is likely, get to higher ground immediately! Get out of places that are likely to flood, like gullies, ditches, and dry stream beds. Avoid already flooded areas. Never attempt to cross running flood water. If you're in a car during a flood, never drive through flooded roadways! Turn around and go another way. If you car stalls, leave it immediately and get to higher ground. Nearly half of all flash flood deaths are auto related, so never drive or let anyone drive through flood waters! Roads could be washed out under the running water. And if your car stalls in just two feet of moving water, the water will have enough force to lift up your car and carry it away! Do not walk through moving water. It can knock you off your feet. If you must walk through water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to test the ground in front of you. Stay away from power lines that are on the ground. You could be electrocuted.
Who needs flood insurance? Everyone! Homeowners insurance does not cover damage from flooding or flashflooding. Most people think that they do not need flood insurance, however, floods cause more damage and more loss of life and property than any other natural disaster event. Protect yourself, your property, and your family. Who can buy flood insurance? Anyone can buy federal flood insurance no matter where you live if your community belongs to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) . You can and should purchase flood insurance to protect homes, condominiums, apartments, and non-residential buildings, including commercial structures. If you rent your home, you can purchase flood insurance to cover the contents.
Links for more information on flood insurance: www.floodsmart.gov Dam Failures: Dam failures can create the worst flash flood events. When a dam or levee breaks, a gigantic quantity of water is suddenly let loose downstream, destroying anything in its path.  According to the NC Department of Natural Resources (DENR) Land Quality Section, about six dams fail in North Carolina in any given year for a variety of reasons.
There are more than 5,000 dams in North Carolina's inventory of dams. Of these, approximately 1,000 dams are rated as high hazard potential structures. A dam classified as high hazard means that if the dam were to fail, it could result in loss of life or extensive downstream property damage. Another 800 dams are classified as intermediate hazard, meaning that significant property damage would occur in the event of dam failure. Each year, the North Carolina Dam Safety Program staff performs about 2,000 inspections and identifies an average of 100 dams that exhibit conditions that could lead to failures. The majority of these deficient dams are high hazard potential structures. (From Successes and Challenges: National Dam Safety Program 2002, Association of State Dam Safety Officials - www.damsafety.org) Dam failures happen for one of six reasons: (1) overtopping, caused by water spilling over the top of the dam, (2) structural failure of the dam, (3) failure of the foundation holding the dam in place, (4) cracking caused by movements like the natural settling of a dam, (5) inadequate maintenance and upkeep, and (6) when piping and seepage cause sinkholes in the dam.
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