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NOUS41 KOKX 151034
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PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
630 AM EDT FRI MAR 15 2019

...This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week...

Today`s topic is Flood Safety.

Flooding can occur from a variety of causes all year round.
So what can you do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your
property from the dangers of flooding? That is the goal of Flood
Safety Awareness Week.

First and foremost. If you encounter a flooded road, especially
one in which water is flowing over. Turn around and find an
alternate route. Do not drive through a flooded road. You are
placing yourself and those with you in grave danger. This is how 50
percent of all flood deaths occur in the United States. Turn Around
and Don`t Drown.

It is important to keep informed of the latest forecasts especially
if you live, work or have to drive through a flood prone area.
NOAA National Weather Service issues flood watches when the
potential exists for flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas
and along streams,creeks and rivers. When a Flood Watch is issued,
it means that there is about a 50 percent chance of flooding.

When a Flood Watch is in effect, you should closely monitor streams
near your residence and be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice
should flooding occur or a warning is issued. If you have to
evacuate, you will want to make sure you bring enough supplies to
last for at least 3 days or longer. This includes at least one
change of clothing for each person, a blanket or sleeping bag per
person, medicine, a radio, cash and credit cards and special
items for the elderly, infants or disabled family members.

A Flood Warning is issued with at least 80 percent forecast
confidence. When you receive a flood warning, evacuate immediately
if advised to do so. Do not drive if you do not have to. Get out of
areas subject to flooding. Never try to walk, swim, drive or play
in flood waters. You may not be able to see holes or submerged
debris. Be cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood
dangers.

It is now possible to receive Flash Flood Warnings through a Wireless
Emergency Alert. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency
messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through
your mobile carrier. WEA will look like a text message. The WEA
message will show the type and time of the alert, any action you
should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will
be no more than 90 characters. WEA messages include a special
tone and vibration, both repeated twice.

The best way to receive information on Flood Watches, Warnings and
Advisories is still through NOAA`s All Hazard Radio, a special kind
of Radio station devoted to weather forecasts and warnings. The
National Weather Service operates over 900 of these radio stations
nationwide. Broadcasts can be heard from Montville
Ct on 162.55 MHz, from Riverhead on 162.475 MHz and from Meriden on
162.40 MHz. Many scanners and special weather radios sold at most
electronics stores can pick up the NOAA weather radio frequencies
when the National Weather Service issues a Flood Watch or Warning.

For more information on Flood Awareness Week use this web site...

https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

If you need additional information, contact our Warning Coordination
Meteorologist, Nelson Vaz, at nelson.vaz@noaa.gov or Senior Service
Hydrologist, Nancy Furbush, at nancy.furbush@noaa.gov.