Storm Flood Terminology / Safety

8/19/2017 (Permalink)

Flood Mapping of Winston Salem and Forsyth County

Flash Flood or Flood Watch

Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated area. Be alert to signs of rising water and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Tune to local TV and Radio for updates on conditions and forecasts from the National Weather Service.

Flash Flood or Flood Warning

Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent. When a warning is issued for your area, or the moment you realize yourself that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself.

Urban and Small Stream Advisory

Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas, such as railroad underpasses and storm drains, is occurring.

Flood or Flood Statement

Follow-up information from the National Weather Service regarding a flash flood or flood event.

Flood Safety  

If advised to evacuate, do so IMMEDIATELY. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.

Get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, washes, etc.

Avoid areas of flowing water. The water can rise quickly. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. A depth of two feet will lift a car and make it float. NEVER try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. STOP, turn around, and find another route.

If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it-- and its occupants-- away.

Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers. The reflection of still water in your headlights will give you no indication of the water's true depth, and the road bed may be washed out under the water.

After a Flood  

If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.

Contact your local public works department about water safety. Boil drinking water before using. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.

Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.

Use flashlights-- not lanterns, torches, or matches-- to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.

Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.

Before a Flood

Know your flood risk and elevation about flood stage. Do your local streams or rivers flood easily? You can see if you live close to a flood prone area here. This helpful interactive map can help you locate you home in Winston Salem or anywhere in Forsyth or surrounding counties.

Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

Homeowners' and renters' policies rarely cover flooding. Contact your insurance agency about getting flood insurance. Flood insurance is administered by FEMA and a helpful FAQ can be found here

Store drinking water in clean bathtubs and various containers if water service may be interrupted.

Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration in case electric power is interrupted.

Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps.

If your home or business suffers water damage from a flash flood call us directly 24/7 at 336-946-1131. SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County Professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

We make it “Like it never even happened.” It’s best to call us directly at 336-946-1131