[Press Release] : Flash floods pose many dangers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Scott Smith, Public Information Officer, or Zim Schwartze,
Interim OEM Director - (573) 874-7400

Flash floods pose many dangers -
Tips from the Office of Emergency Management

COLUMBIA, MO (June 8, 2009) - As we have seen several times already
this year, heavy rains can cause several problems for motorists and
those who live near flood-prone areas. The Columbia/Boone County Office
of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages everyone to educate themselves
on the dangers of water-covered roadways, and on what to do in the event
flash flooding threatens your home.

“Heavy rain falling in a short amount of time can cause all kinds of
problems,” said Interim OEM Director Zim Schwartze. “When the rain
falls faster than streets and roads can handle it, those areas can flood
quickly. That can make things especially dangerous for drivers, due to
the dangers of hydroplaning, or even being swept off the road by rushing
water. Those driving in areas where water covers the road are urged to
drive with caution, or find another route of travel.”

Flash flooding can also pose problems for those who live near streams
and flood-prone areas. “Those who live along or near the areas of
Hinkson or Perche Creek in Boone County know full well of the potential
dangers during a heavy rain event,” says Schwartze. “If you live
near a flood-prone stream or river, it’s important to keep up to date
on the latest weather information, and keep an eye on rising water. Our
office also wants to remind those who are camping near creeks and
streams of the danger that they face when heavy rain hits. Remember that
heavy rain upstream may lead to serious flooding at your location with
little or no warning. Campers need to be prepared to evacuate quickly,
should rapidly-rising water threaten their campsite.”

Statistics from the National Weather Service (NWS) indicate that 20
people have died in the past five years, in flood-related incidents in
Missouri. 12 people died in 2008, including one woman in Boone County,
who died while trying to help a stranded motorist at a flooded low-water
crossing. 

The Office of Emergency Management has several materials available,
concerning how to prepare for flooding and other natural disasters.
Those materials can be obtained by calling the office at (573) 874-7400,
or by logging onto our Web site, www.showmeboone.com/OEM/closures.htm 


Flash Flood Safety 
A flash flood or flood watch means that flash flooding or flooding is
possible within the designated area. 

Flash flood or flood warning means that flash flooding or flooding has
been reported or is imminent. Take necessary precautions at once! 

Urban and small stream flood advisory means that flooding of small
streams, streets, and low-lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and
urban storm drains is occurring or is about to occur. 

When a flash flood warning is issued:
● Get out of areas prone to flooding. This includes areas near rivers
and streams, low spots, and low-water crossings. 
● Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing
fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
● Be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters.
Turn around and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. 
● Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize
flood dangers. 
● If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep
them away. 
● Do not camp or park your vehicle along areas prone to flooding,
particularly during threatening conditions. 

When a flood warning is issued:
● Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water. 
● Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio, and local media for
information. 
● Be alert for rising waters and water over roads.
Drive with extreme caution if roads are even just wet or it is raining.
You can lose control of your vehicle if hydroplaning occurs, which is
when a layer of water build up between your tires and the road, causing
there to be no direct contact between your vehicle and the road.

Flash Flood Facts 
● Emergency crews in Boone County have responded to nearly 70 water
rescues over the past three years. A majority of the calls have been at
low-water crossings, where drivers have attempted to drive across a
flooded area. 

● A majority of water rescues over the past three years have occurred
on Columbia’s East side, with the highest number since 2006 on
Blackfoot Road, along Bear Creek. Also with high numbers of water
rescues are crossings along Perche Creek (Stadium Boulevard and Wilcox
Road). In each case, drivers attempted to pass over a water-covered
crossing, and found their vehicle trapped in the water.

● In Boone County, one person died at a low-water crossing in 2008.
In September, 20 year-old Michelle Runkle tried to help a motorist whose
car was swept off a low water crossing on Clark Lane (along Hominy
Creek), when she was swept downstream by the flood waters. 

● Since 2006, the month of September has been the most common for
water rescue calls. In September of 2008, emergency crews were called to
14 water rescues, including the fatality on Clark Lane. July is the
second-most-frequent month for rescues. 

● In Missouri, nine people died in flooding-related incidents in 2008
alone. By comparison, a total seven people died in flood events from
2004 until 2007. Most of those who died in flood events were attempting
to cross low-water crossings, where water covered the road. 

● Except for heat related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding
than any other hazard. While the number of fatalities can vary
dramatically with weather conditions from year to year, the national
30-year average (from 1977 to 2006) for flood deaths is 99. That
compares with a 30-year average of 61 deaths for lightning, 54 for
tornadoes and 49 for hurricanes.

- 30 -
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