F loods, as you might know, are the large quantities of water present in an otherwise dry location. These happen because of overflowing rivers, lakes, seas, and other nearby water sources (dams) or heavy rainfall that sends draining systems over the edge. This is a widespread problem in the United States, and as climate change worsens, so do these disasters.
In the present article, we want to go over this pressing issue, namely the link between floods and climate change, so that you can better appreciate the situation and its severity. If you want to play your part and change things for the better for future generations or learn more about the natural disaster that is flooding, stick with us until the end of this piece.
Flooded Houses with Dirty Water
You might not always know when flooding is about to happen, but you’ll obviously feel its effect during and after. So, here are some steps you can take to keep yourself safe in case you are caught off-guard.
What to do: During the flood
You should immediately turn on a news source like a radio or your phone and see what the authorities recommend doing. Meanwhile, know that at any moment, flash flooding can happen. So, avoid staying near high-risk areas (streams, large draining systems) and try to get to higher ground as soon as possible.
If you’re evacuating, the steps you should take if there’s time to spare are:
Under no circumstance should you handle electrical devices if water has already infiltrated your home. Put any valuable items you can’t carry into waterproof containers to prevent them from damaging. Also, release any livestock to increase their survival chance, and take any pets with you if possible.
If you’re going to be driving to a safer location, keep in mind the following:
Using Dryers to Dry Floor After Flood
What to do: After the flood
After the water level subsides, you might think it’s safe to return and assess the damage, but that might only sometimes be the case. Consider the following:
Three basic steps that anyone can take to keep health risks to a minimum are:
Advanced preparation is possible, and it can take you a long way. Taking proper precautions can save your property and ensure you are out of danger when an unfortunate event strikes. Here is what you need to do ASAP if you want to be as cautious as possible:
Climate Change Activists Protesting
There are a few reasons why this is an important factor in the more frequent flooding, seeing as these factors keep breaking records year after year. Here it goes:
Factor #1: High heat
In the last century, the overall temperature has increased by 1.8°F. Although it might seem unimportant, it has caused a 4% higher wetness, meaning that when it rains, it pours, and when it pours, it has a high chance of flood. And it will continue to worsen, as experts say there will be another 50% jump by the end of this century.
Factor #2: Sea level rising
Since rising heat levels, sea levels follow as the ice caps melt faster. As a result, an approximate height of 8 inches has been added to oceans, bringing the rising rate to a new high.
Factor #3: More natural disasters
Rain is just one phenomenon happening more often. Storms are also amped up, which can turn into highly powerful hurricanes. Those in categories 4 and 5 have been showing up all around the U.S., bringing incredible damage and leaving thousands without a home or causing deaths. But, like in the case of higher heat, hurricanes are also expected to worsen as time passes.
The combination of those 3 turns flooding into an unavoidable situation. Other than damaging properties, it also causes a spike in disease, as overflowing water gathers from many sources, including sewers, bringing all kinds of bacteria and viruses along, turning potable water into polluted water.
Many have thought, “It doesn’t look so bad.” or “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing!”. The outcome could have been better than they had hoped. Never underestimate natural disasters’ power, and always stay one step ahead. Even by doing so, there’s no way of predicting when things will start to spiral out of control. But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
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