Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Heavy rain can overwhelm the drainage system
even when that system is properly functioning and maintained. Intense
rainfall can lead to flooded streets, yards and buildings, and can
send streams over their banks.
Flood safety<http://charmeck.org/stormwater/DrainageandFlooding/Pages/FloodSafety.aspx
> reminders from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services:
* Do not drive through floodwater. It takes only two feet of water
to carry a car or SUV from the roadway. Turn around, don't drown.
* Do not walk or play in floodwater. Only six inches of moving water
can sweep a person off their feet.
* If you see dangerous flooding, call 911. Flood emergencies should
be reported to local fire and police.
* If the flooding or drainage problem is not life-threatening, call
311.
* Even after the rain ends, streams may continue to rise for several
hours.
* Pay attention to flood watches and flood warnings. Be ready to
move to higher ground.
* Have an emergency supply kit<http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist2.pdf
>.
* Floodplain maps<http://charmeck.org/stormwater/DrainageandFlooding/Pages/FloodplainMaps.aspx
> show areas with a specific risk of flooding. However, flooding can
happen outside of the floodzone.
* Floodplains<http://charmeck.org/stormwater/DrainageandFlooding/Pages/WhatAreFloodplains.aspx
> are part of a healthy creek system and are designed by nature to
flood.
* Heavy rain can cause any low-lying area of street to flood, even
if it's not near a creek or not in a mapped floodplain.
* Buy flood insurance<http://charmeck.org/stormwater/DrainageandFlooding/Pages/FloodInsurance.aspx
>. Homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage.
* Build an ARK<http://charmeck.org/stormwater/DrainageandFlooding/Pages/BuildanARK.aspx
> - Awareness, Responsibility & Knowledge
Storm Water Services will continue to monitor rainfall and stream
depth during this storm with the Flood Information & Notification
System<http://charmeck.org/stormwater/DrainageandFlooding/Pages/FINS-FloodInformationandNotificationSystem.aspx
>. A dense network of local rain and stream gauges automatically
notifies emergency responders to the threat or actual danger of
flooding. Storm Water Services sources say Alexander Middle School has
received the most rain at this time--2.18 inches in about an hour.
For more information about preparing for flash flooding, visit: http://stormwater.charmeck.org
and click on "Drainage & Flooding."
