1. No region is safe from flooding. All 50 states are subject to flash floods.
2. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.
3. Floods may cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.
4. Flash floods can bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high. Landslides can amplify floodwater waves.
5. To stay safe during a flood, go to the highest ground possible.
6. Always wash your skin after coming into contact with floodwater since the contents of the water are unknown.
7. Flooding can occur at any time of year. The most common causes are spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mud flows.
8. Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires. 90% of all natural disasters declared by the President involve some sort of flooding.
9. It is important to stock up on first aid items, non-perishable foods, 3 gallons of water per person for 3 days, battery operated radio for weather reports, extra batteries, personal hygiene necessities.
10. A 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12” of water damage could cost more than $50,000.
11. Insurance can cover much of the costs of flood damage. Contact Santa Clara City if you are interested in purchasing flood insurance.
12. Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water, or downstream from a dam, such as Santa Clara’s central valley.

For more information on flooding visit our other sites or Ready.gov/floods to stay safe.