By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-12-13 05:53:56 | Word Count: 596
Aside from lightning, another thunderstorm hazard that you should be prepared to handle is a flash flood. Rain is quite common and because this natural occurrence is typical, most people think that rain is just a minor annoyance that we should not be worried about. In contrast to the common misconception about rain however, it should be noted that after tremendous amounts of rain, small streams can evolve into raging rivers that poses the threat of flash floods. In order to make sure that you can keep yourself safe from floods below are some tips that you ought to be aware of.
a. On your way to the campsite and on your way home from your camping trip, you should never drive across water along the road especially if you are not sure of the exact depth of the water. Note that most water crossings in the United States have signs that will tell you exactly how deep the water is. If you think they are too deep or if you well know that your car cannot handle water crossings, do not dare to drive into it. Most of the time, twenty inches of water can float most vehicles. If the water crossing reaches this depth, your vehicle will float and there will be no way for you to gain control of your vehicle again.
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b. Never underestimate moving water. If the water in the streams or rivers is flowing rapidly, then you shouldn’t dare pass through it. During flash flood events, the force of flowing water can easily move or even sweep away vehicles. Moreover, rapidly flowing water carries lots of debris and other materials such as fallen trunks, propane tanks, and more. If ever the water is not enough to knock your car off a bridge, the debris can greatly damage your vehicle and put you in danger.
c. Take note of the fact that river floods are quite different from flash floods. River floods are quite subtle and gradual. Water will rise relatively slow over a period of hours. In the case of a flash flood, the flowing water will rise several feet in just a matter of minutes. You won’t even notice the water coming and rushing in. If you think a flash flood is coming, you ought to stay out of water crossing and streams.
d. If you are still on a campsite, make sure that you are aware of whatever is happening upstream, especially if you are planning to go on a hike to the valleys. Note that while the stream in your area may be subtle and calm, the rivers upstream may be rapidly building. As a result, there will be no way for you to know that a flash flood is coming just by looking at your present surroundings, It will be better if you are updated with the weather forecast in the nearby surroundings of the campsite.
e. Choose your camp site wisely. Do not camp very near a stream or a river. Stay away from canyons as well. Make sure that you set up your camp on grounds that are considerably higher than a nearby stream or other bodies of water. Before you set your camp site, make sure that you have an escape route in case a flash flood will hit your camp site. Note that your escape route should be a higher ground. Know where and how you can climb your way out of a flash flood’s way. Keep in mind that it is impossible to outrun the rapidly moving water.
