City of Nelsonville, Ohio Information Blog

Know what to do…

Before a Flood

• Check with your local floodplain administrator to determine if you live in a flood-prone area. Lists of floodplain administrators are maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at: www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/7/floodpln/communitylist.pdf
• Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in any Ohio community that participates in the program.
• Ensure that your home emergency plan includes an evacuation route, in case you must leave your home in a hurry. Practice your plan.
• Learn more about flood safety, your flood risks, and flood insurance at: http://www.floodsmart.com.

During a Flood

• If indoors, listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local news station for the latest emergency information. If your area is advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If outdoors, climb to higher ground and stay there. Avoid walking or driving through any floodwater.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown. Never drive through a flooded roadway. More than 70% of flood deaths occur when people purposely enter flood water. Do not attempt to cross flood water on foot or allow children to play in/near floodwaters.

During a Flood

• Listen to local alerts and warning systems for emergency information.
• Emergency workers are responding. Return home when authorities indicate it is safe.

Know the Terms

Flood: A condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage or low-lying areas.

General River Flooding: A condition that follows heavy rain, snow melt or a combination. River flooding typically occurs slowly, allowing more time to take protective measures. Extreme flash flooding or a break up of an ice jam can produce more rapid river rises.

Urban and Small Stream Floods: Flooding occurs when heavy rain falls, resulting in flooding streets, underpasses or drainage ditches in urban areas, and creeks in rural areas. This flooding is dangerous if motorists drive through a flooded roadway or if children play near a storm drain or drainage ditch.

Flash Floods: Rapid and life-threatening floods resulting from heavy rains that occur in a short period of time.

Flood Watch: A flood watch is issued for the potential of rapid flooding. A flood watch may also be issues when the onset of flooding is much slower, usually greater than six hours.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood warning signifies a short duration of intense or rapid flooding of counties, communities, streams, or urban areas.