Motorists should take extra precautions when driving during intense summer storms.  Just a few inches of swiftly moving water can severely impact a driver’s ability to control a vehicle, even SUVs. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades; roads underneath may be damaged and impassable. If motorists become caught in a severe storm, pull over to higher ground and wait for the storm to pass. The District’s website, www.ccrfcd.org, also provides information about how much rain is falling at more than 100 locations throughout the Valley. The rainfall amounts are current and can be updated instantly by clicking a computer’s refresh button.

Children or pets should never be allowed to play in floodwater, which is filled with oil, chemicals, pet waste and other dangerous debris. Water flowing through channels and into detention basins can rise as fast as one foot per minute and move as quickly as 30 miles per hour. National statistics show that more deaths occur in floods each year than any other natural disaster.

Homeowners should also take a look around their developments to make sure that local drainage pathways are not blocked by debris, wire mesh, bricks, or other large items. When drainage ways through neighborhoods become blocked, stormwater can begin to pond and may cause isolated flooding.

Purchasing flood insurance is another precaution residents may want to consider. Typical homeowner’s policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, and a separate policy must be purchased. It takes 30 days for flood insurance to take effect.

“There has been some confusion even among some insurance agents about the availability of flood insurance,” said Kevin Eubanks, Assistant General Manager of the Regional Flood Control District. “Flood insurance is available to every homeowner and renter, even if they are not in a flood zone.” Eubanks also explained that flood insurance is much less expensive for homes not located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identified flood zone.

The cost of the policy depends on several factors including where the home is located, when it was built and the amount of coverage. The typical cost of flood insurance for a home not in a flood zone is approximately $500 a year. For more information about flood insurance or to be referred to a local agent, call FEMA at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD.

For more flood safety tips and other important information, contact the Regional Flood Control District at (702) 455-3139 or at www.ccrfcd.org.