Flooding Safety (Camping and Hiking) Infographics
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Flood Safety: Key Points for Camping and Hiking
Frequent Facts
- Most flash flood fatalities occur at night and most victims are people who become trapped in automobiles
- Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; a depth of two feet will cause most vehicles to float
- Flooding can occur any time of the year
- Heavy rainfall can bring a danger of flash flooding, but sometimes even light/moderate rainfall can trigger dangerous floods -- Dry streambeds can become raging torrents in minutes with no rain in sight!
- Heavy rain can cause debris flows especially in hilly or mountainous terrain. Soil gives way and slides downhill picking up branches, trees, and rocks -- Debris flow can completely destroy campsites and bury campers in a matter of minutes!
Preparedness Information
- Avoid walking, swimming, or driving in flood waters
- Check the weather forecast before leaving for outdoor trips
- Watch for signs of approaching storms
- In hilly terrain, flash floods can strike with little or no advance warning -- Distant rain may be channeled into gullies and ravines, turning a quiet stream into a rampaging torrent in minutes -- Never camp on low ground next to streams since a flash flood can catch you while you're asleep
- If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground
- If a campground’s alarm system relies on electricity, have an alternate method to notify campers in case of power failure
- NOAA Weather Radio is the only direct means to receive warnings from the National Weather Service
- Whether you’re on the road or camping, will you be ready for sudden flash flooding? Most flash flood warnings will not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. Make sure you are receiving warnings: www.weather.gov/subscribe
- If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter floodwaters in a vehicle or on foot
- What’s the fastest way to escape to higher ground? Are nearby roads likely to flood blocking evacuation routes?
- Are you planning to camp or hike near a stream or river? Remember that it doesn’t have to rain directly over you for there to be flooding -- If you notice even a slight rise in water level, seek higher ground immediately!
When hiking, follow these steps:
- Wait for everyone in the crew to arrive at the stream, and make a determination to cross
- Do not walk through a flowing stream on foot where water is above your ankles
- When walking through or on rocks or logs over a stream, loosen pack buckles so if you fall you can easily get away from your pack and it will not drag you under
- Wait for everyone to cross before continuing (in case the last person needs assistance)
Watch and Warning Definitions
- Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in your area. Remain alert for quickly rising water. Know what counties or parishes are in the watch area by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or your local radio/television outlets
- Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is imminent or has already been reported. Move to higher ground immediately.
Resource Material
Downloadable .pdf
Click the link to download a .pdf version of this page - Flood_Safety_Camping_Hiking.pdf
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