Flooding and Rain Event Preparedness

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In Pearland, severe weather-- including rain events and hurricanes -- can threaten life and property with flooding. Sometimes floods develop slowly and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Oftentimes, flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain.

If you know what to do before, during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and better protect your property, including what to do if you are driving and hit a flooded road.

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Turn Around. Don't Drown

On average, nearly 100 people drown every year in floods-more than half are caused by motorists trying to drive through flooded roads. Too often, motorists across the nation find themselves in trouble.

Many drivers over estimate their ability to navigate flooded roads, putting too much stock in their “heavy” vehicles. In reality, most motorists lose control of their vehicles, including SUVs, in just six inches of water, while 18-24 inches of moving water will force a vehicle off the road.

Follow the tips below and avoid flooded areas, especially when travelling.

Drive Aware

Pre-plan your trip by knowing what type of weather conditions you may be traveling in. If possible, plan your routes on familiar, well lit, and improved roadways.

Allow for extra travel time; don’t be in a hurry to get where you are going.

Plan alternative routes to your destination; there may be a safer way to get where you need to go.

Keep your cell-phone or other media devices fully charged prior to travel, this may be your only source of information or communication.

Keep others informed about your time of departure, route of travel and expected time of arrival.

Arrive Alive

Turn Around Don’t Drown®! Avoid ALL flooded roadways, and do not drive around barricades at Low Water Crossings regardless of how shallow or slow moving the surface water may appear to be flowing. Water covering a roadway may be hiding a washed out bridge or road bed.

Should you find yourself in a low-lying area during a flood, get to higher ground quickly. Avoid canyons, washes or ditches that can channel swift water.

If your car is stranded in swift moving water, don’t panic, stay calm and dial 911. Roll the window down on the downstream side (opposite side of the direction of water flow) of the vehicle and remain with your vehicle until help arrives.

If your car fills with water exit your vehicle through a sun roof or through the open window on the downstream side and remain in place on top of your vehicle.

If you are swept into fast moving floodwater outside of your car, place yourself in a Defensive Swim position, by floating on your back with your head up and chin on your chest and swimming with your feet pointing downstream. This allows you to kick away and maneuver yourself around debris with your legs prior to striking them.

In your Defensive Swim Position, always maneuver yourself around or over obstacles.

If you become stranded on something above the floodwater, such as a tree, building, or other sturdy object, stay put and wait for rescue. Do not enter or re-enter the floodwater.

When help arrives, stay calm and follow the directions of the rescue team.

Flood Warning vs. Flood Watch

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flash Flood Warnings are changing to an Impact-Based format to improve public response.
Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Before A Flood

Stay informed. Visit weather.gov or tune into your local news for the latest forecast

Determine whether your home, school, or workplace is in an area likely to flood

Learn which roadways are likely to flood and find an alternative route so you can avoid them

Create a communications plan so your family will know how to connect during an emergency

Assemble an emergency kit

If you might be evacuated, pack your bags and include items for your pets and dependents so you're ready to leave at a moment's notice

Charge all essential electronics

Be pro-active! Leave before the flooding starts to avoid getting stranded

During A Flood

After A Flood

Stay informed. Tune into your local news for updates on affected areas and the safety of your drinking water
Avoid floodwaters. Standing water can hide chemicals that can make you sick, cause electrocution through contact with power lines, and hide sharp debris that can seriously harm you.
Avoid disaster areas. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.
Heed road closure and cautionary signs.
Wait for the "all clear" before returning to an area that was impacted by flooding.
Contact your family and loved one s to let them know you're okay.

City of Pearland, TX

Flooding and Rain Event Preparedness

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