This last round of storms and flooding in my home state of Texas claimed the lives of 6 people. Five of them, a Great-Grandmother and 4 Children drowned while trying to escape the flood waters.
Bottom line is that it is hard to imagine somebody drowning in their own front yard, but it is entirely possible when your home sits in a low lying area with a huge creek running behind it, the ground is already saturated from previous storms and it rains 7 1/2 inches in under an hour. This is the perfect mix of circumstances for a disaster.
Here are some things to Consider:
- YOU and YOU ALONE are responsible for your safety. NOT FEMA, and NOT your local Police or Fire Dept.
- Prepare NOW for Natural Disasters. Have a plan for Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Flooding. Routinely discuss and DRILL on these plans with your family.
- Pay Attention to the Weather! DO NOT depend on your local weatherman to send you a text or email telling you bad weather is coming!
- Invest in a NOAA radio NOW that can be charged with a hand crank and solar energy in the event the power goes out.
- BE AWARE of your Surroundings. Know if your home sits in a flood plane or if there is a river or creek that floods when it rains heavily. Know the flood stages of these rivers and creeks.
- DO NOT WAIT until the last minute to act. Better to be overly cautious than Dead. If Flooding is expected, LEAVE while the roads are still passable and get to higher ground.
- If you do Live in a flood plane or near a River, PREPARE FOR THE WORST CASE SCENARIO by having a flat bottom boat and life jackets. Be ready to Adapt to the Environment as needed.
Weather is something we cannot control, and make no mistake Weather can kill you just as fast as a bullet! Prepare Now for The Worst because more is coming.
Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!