Flood Information

Mogollon Flood, September 2013. Credit: US Forest Service

What is a Flood?
 

A flash flood is a rapid increase in flow along a stream channel that may allow the water to overflow channel banks and cause a flood. Typically during monsoon season (July through September) there is very little time between the storm event upstream and the arrival of the flood downstream, often under an hour. If this flood contains rocks, trees and other debris, it is termed a debris flow.

The National Weather Service provides information on the potential for rainstorms causing flooding in your area. They have a three-tier warning system to alert citizens of the threat posed by developing weather systems:

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Conditions are favorable for flooding but flooding is not definite.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

For more information, visit www.floodsmart.gov

Dixon’s Apple Orchard Cochiti Canyon Flood August 22, 2011 Credit: Phoebe Suina, Pueblo of Cochiti

Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding during heavy rains because the burned ground is unable to absorb the falling rain, producing runoff conditions much like a parking lot. Because of this, even modest rainstorms over a burned area can result in flash flooding downstream. These floods are typically much larger for a given sized storm than they were before the wildfire, so flooding is likely to be much more extensive following wildfire, endangering properties previously considered safe from flooding. These floodwaters typically transport surface debris such as downed trees, boulders, and gravel.

Many areas in New Mexico are at an increased flood risk due to wildfires in recent years. Residents and businesses in areas downstream of a wildfire need to be aware of the hazards they face, the steps they can take to reduce their risk, and resources that may be available to assist them.

Debris Flow in Peralta Canyon August 19, 2012 Credit: Ryan Weiss

Post-Fire Floods and Debris Flows

In New Mexico, the biggest threat from wildfire, both in terms of life-safety and damages, comes from post-fire flooding. This flooding typically occurs during the summer and early fall associated with thunderstorms that develop during monsoon season. These storms are typically very local, very intense, and of short duration, delivering a lot of rain in a short amount of time. When such storms develop over burned areas, the ground cannot absorb the rain. The precipitation runs off the burned area, and accumulates in streams, producing a flash flood.

A top priority for flood preparedness is to purchase flood insurance. To find out more about flood insurance, go to www.floodsmart.gov. For other financial tips related to wildfire, click here.

If your property is located in an area in danger of post-fire flooding, remove hazardous materials such as chemicals from your home and outbuildings. You may move the hazardous materials to a location that is not in danger of flooding, or for information on disposal locations, click here, or contact the New Mexico Environment Department.

• For techniques to help address flood hazard, see our Post Fire Treatments section. For information on funding resources related to flooding, visit our Who Can Help page for community assistance and look for resources provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
• USGS has a new process for predicting debris flows more quickly; they also may install real-time early warning rain gauges for communities affected by wildfire. Contact the New Mexico USGS Water Science Center to find out more.
• For past USGS studies on debris flow hazards from New Mexico wildfires (Whitewater-Baldy, Las Conchas and Track fires), click here. This includes areas that are most likely to have the greatest debris flows, and may be helpful to areas also anticipating debris flows.

Family Plan

1. Identify the types of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind.
   
2. Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hazard. In certain circumstances, the safest areas may not be in your home but within your community.
   
3. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
   
4. Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
   
5. Make a plan now for what to do with your pets should you need to evacuate.
   
6. Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
   
7. Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
   
8. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
   
9. Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its batteries every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
   
10. Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.

Supply Kit Checklist

1. Water—at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
   
2. Food—at least enough for 3 to 7 days
• non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
• food for infants or the elderly
• snack foods
• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools and fuel
• paper plates and plastic utensils
3. Blankets, pillows, etc.
4. Clothing—seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes, etc.
5. First aid kit, medicines, and prescription drugs
6. Special items for babies and the elderly
7. Toiletries, hygiene items, and moisture wipes
8. Flashlight
9. Batteries
10. Battery-operated NOAA weather radio
11. Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
12. Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards—banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
13. Keys
14. Toys, books, and games
15. Important documents in a waterproof container or watertight, re-sealable plastic bag insurance
• Medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
16. Tools
17. Full vehicle fuel tanks
18. Pet care items
• proper identification, immunization records, and medications
• ample supply of food and water
• a carrier or cage
• muzzle and leash

Did you know, insurance typically does not cover flooding? Homes and business located in flood areas need to purchase flood insurance to cover damages caused by flooding. Because post-wildfire floods are typically more extensive than before wildfires, individuals and businesses downstream of wildfires need to reassess their flood risk and reevaluate the need for purchase flood insurance even if previously they were outside the flood zone.

To find out more about flood insurance, go to www.floodsmart.gov.

For other financial tips related to wildfire, click here.

FEMA has published almost 100,000 individual Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). See your map and learn how to read it so you can make informed decisions about protecting your property, both financially and structurally.

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home or business and ensure the safety of family and employees.

1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a file containing information about all your property and its contents, and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agent’s contact information.
• An inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. For more information visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.
• Businesses should have a plan for resuming operations after a flood.

2. Prepare your property.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your homes projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
• If your property is located in an area in danger of post-fire flooding, remove hazardous materials such as chemicals from your home and outbuildings. You may move the hazardous materials to a location that is not in danger of flooding, or for information on disposal locations, click here, or contact the New Mexico Environment Department.
• Protect areas susceptible to floodwaters by placing sandbags. Sandbags can be used to keep water out of buildings, to redirect floodwaters away from property, or to fill in damaged spots in berms or levees. Sandbags are prepared in the following manner:
  
  
  • Filling sandbags is a two person job. Have one person crouch or kneel, holding the bag upright on the ground. The second person shovels sand into the bag until the bag is one-half to two-thirds full. Fold the top of the bag over; do not tie bags. Sandbags are generally filled near the location where they will be placed.
  • Place the bag in the desired location such that the open end of the bag is folded under the sand.
  • Bags can be stacked up to three-high a single line or can be stacked in a pyramid shape, with each layer containing one row fewer than the layer below. The pyramid pattern provides more stability, but requires more bags.
  • Alternate the placement of the bags to fill in potential gaps or weak spots.
  • Place sandbags with the folded end of the bag facing the upstream direction from which the water will flowing. This will cause the water to keep the bag sealed, rather than opening the bag and spilling the contents.

For more details on sandbagging techniques, click here.

3. Develop an emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family or employees. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions and assets.

Keep valuable items on the upper floors of your home or building.

Flash Flooding in Alamogordo, June 2006

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. It can take only a foot or two of water to float or sweep away your vehicle.
• NOAA Weather Radio: Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for information on flooding and other weather alerts.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other low-lying areas that can flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Do not attempt to walk across flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways.
• If water rises in your home before you evacuate, go to the top floor, attic, or roof.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if advised to do so.
• If you've come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.
• If it is safe to evacuate, leave your home.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

For more information visit www.floodsmart.gov

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. It can take only a foot or two of water to float or sweep away your vehicle.

NOAA Weather Radio: Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for information on flooding and other weather alerts.

• Listen to NOAA weather radio, a battery-operated radio, or television for the latest emergency information. Use phones only for emergency calls. Stay away from damaged areas. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it's time to start the recovery process. Here's what you can do to begin restoring your home.
  • If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
  • Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
  • Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
  • Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
  • Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
  • Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
  • Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

If additional assistance is needed, contact your county Emergency Manager.

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