A flood happens during heavy rains, when river overflows, when ocean waves come onshore or when dams or leaves breaks. This is the most common natural weather event. Flooding may only be a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. Floods that happen very quickly are called flash floods.
Floods can occur in every Caribbean Region. Some floods develop slowly, and some can build in just a few minutes. People who live in low lying areas- near the beach are at an even greater risk.
Before:
- Build an emergency kit.
- Make a family communication plan
- Tell an adult if you hear a flood warning.
During:
- Listen to authorities and safety officials.
- If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
- Do not walk through moving water. Even a 6’’ of water can make you fall.
After:
- Stay away from flood water. It could be contaminated.
- Stay away from moving water. It can knock you down.
- Stay out of the way of emergency workers.
- Flood Warning – A message that flooding will occur soon, if it hasn’t already, move to higher ground and evacuate immediately.
- Flash Flood – A flood that can happen within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall.
- Levee/Dam – A manmade structure to contain or prevent water from moving past a certain point.