flood safety webinar for depiction
DESCRIPTION
Learning that you live where flooding happens is never any fun. This presentation explores ways to identify what level of flood risk you face, and to prioritize and reduce specific risks before the flooding takes place.TRANSCRIPT
Living where flooding Living where flooding happenshappens
Carol DunnFor Depiction
Danger and Danger and your your subconscioussubconscious
It is hard to think clearly about risks.
New York Times:
“certain emotional reactions occur before the brain has even had time to fully register what it is that is causing the reaction; the emotion occurs before thought. “
Our opinion on Our opinion on risk is decided risk is decided for usfor us
The subconscious communicates by triggering the release of chemicals
Our conscious brain interprets as emotions, gut feelings.
Sub-conscious at workSub-conscious at work
Do not act DO SOMETHING!!!
“It won’t happen”“What will be will be”ProcrastinationShutting down when
start thinking about it.
Hyper vigilanceSleep problemsReduced patienceIncreased heart rateIcy feeling in hands
Attitude is EverythingAttitude is Everything
Longer Recovery Faster Recovery
Refuses to focusWorries about
imposingConsiders fight
against the riverNot prepared to
accept that some things will get wet, some things will change.
Takes it personally
Recognize that it is possible to influence but not outright control situation.
Collaborates to find solutions
Expects hard times and hard emotions
Who needs to think about flooding?Who needs to think about flooding?
How much water?How much water?
It is important to determine your specific risk from flooding
◦Search: (your city/county/state) + flood maps (your city/county/state) + parcel viewer
◦Terrain maps, Maps with 3D views
◦Use Mapping Software Manipulate data to make it relevant
Increase your options by knowing Increase your options by knowing as much as you can in advanceas much as you can in advance
Example: City of Fargo http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Departments/Engineering/FloodInfoCenter/
http://tinyurl.com/FloodinFargo
Action now can reduce harm:Action now can reduce harm:
Keep from being surprised
Create ways to know status of most important people, animals & things
Prioritize Actions to reduce harm
Help speed up your recovery
Avoid long term problems
Stay ahead of the weatherStay ahead of the weather
Weather Radio
Check if your area has an emergency calling system.◦ Code red, Reverse 911
Online tools to keep track of the rivers◦ www.weather.gov/water
Constant Constant communicationcommunication
Create multiple ways to stay in touch.◦Out of Area Contacts-
strategic message relaying◦Text messaging◦Two way radios◦Twitter/Facebook◦Getting contact details of
neighbors/co-workers
Plan what everyone will do if a storm is immenent.
If a person or animal can not independently get out of the way of flood waters-move them out of the area where flooding is possible.◦Finding solutions can
take work and courage◦Brainstorm: there may
be more options than it seems at first.
Finding SolutionsFinding Solutions
Sources of help◦Company EAP◦Community Services: 2-1-1◦Local Plans◦Neighbors◦Friends◦Relatives◦Your W.O.W, etc. club
Evacuation PlanEvacuation Plan
Think through each step in what will happen. What have you missed?
Talk with household members, caregivers, neighbors—discuss where to meet if separated and can’t reach each other.
◦How long to wait? Where to leave a message.◦There’s a website helps find locations that are
between two spots: http://www.mezzoman.com/
Protecting your stuffProtecting your stuff
Create an inventory of your possessions: List or video
Prioritize the items
If at risk of high level flooding, move as many of the items as you can out of the area. ◦Some items handle water better-focus on what
you have that doesn’t.
Short term solutionsShort term solutions
Creating barriers in situations where water is expected to be over 4 feet can increase the level of damage to the structure. ◦Concentrate on removing high value items
Flood proof if less than 3 feet of water expected:◦Sand bags, concrete blocks, plastic sheeting◦(inside house: around drain, furnace)
Sewage backflow or back upSewage backflow or back upShort Term: Block the drains.
There are related risks, talk to a plumber.
Longer Longer Term Term Solution Solution requires the use of a licensed contractor and permits—no short cuts!
Protecting Your FinancesProtecting Your Finances
Keep all receipts for flood and flood clean up preparation
Be sure you have the right insurance coverage.
Protect Vital Documents http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Family_Issues/Vital_Docs.shtml
Have supplies for isolation and Have supplies for isolation and shortagesshortages
All supplies must be stored away from expected flooding.◦Water◦Medicine/electrical equipment with power back up
◦Non perishable food◦Safe lighting, heat◦Comfort items◦Have clean up supplies
Useful Supplies: Work togetherUseful Supplies: Work together
◦Can you reduce the blow to your budget by searching to borrow, rent or collaboratively purchase pumps, fans etc.
Be ready to dry out and clean upBe ready to dry out and clean up
Stay Safe! ◦Never drive through flood
waters◦Electrocution, gas leaks◦Flood waters, mold and
mildew
Making it through the emotional Making it through the emotional marathonmarathon
In a normal dayIn a normal day
In periods of high stress, we have more stress chemicals released into our system than we can neutralize to find balance.
Easy to make life changing errorsEasy to make life changing errors
Fight or Flight “Act”
Looping thoughtsShort TemperUrge to leave:
◦ Company◦ Marriage◦ Friendship◦ Consciousness
Thrill seeking behavior
Tend or Befriend
Need to talk and talk
DIY stress neutralizingDIY stress neutralizing
Counter negative emotions with positive ones, from any source◦Talk to a trained counselor◦Write about feelings◦Laugh, even if fake.
Questions?Questions?
[email protected] @caroldn
Do searches to find local flooding resources
Useful links: ◦ Red Cross/FEMA Repairing your Flooded Home
http://tinyurl.com/Repairfloodedhome ◦ Flood workbook:
http://2resilience.org/Floodingworkbook.pdf ◦ Flood Proofing: http://tinyurl.com/LSUAgCenterflood ◦ So you live behind a levee
http://content.asce.org/ASCELeveeGuide.html