Flash flood safety in Arizona

FLASH FLOOD SAFETY NOT JUST IN ARIZONA

Arizona made national news a few days ago as photos and footage of nail-biting flash flood rescue missions occurred, leaving some to think, “That is it! I'm not moving to Arizona". Let me take a minute to educate the non-natives and help place their flash flood safety fears in check.

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is just what the name implies; an extreme, short duration flood. In the southwest, summer thunderstorms can be a source for intense rainfall over a brief period of time, especially during the afternoon, when showers are most likely to occur. The storms come with lots of drama; thunder, lightning and pounding rainfall that produce more water than the ground can absorb. Slot canyons, changes in elevation of the terrain and roads can funnel fast moving water to lower locations where natural basins occur that contains the rapidly accumulating water.  If one is below the storm, flood waters, boulders and debris carried by the raging water can rapidly accumulate.

In Sedona, locals call this type of a rainstorm a “gully-washer”. They are considered to be a joyous summer ritual because the topography of the town is such that rarely is anyone in any clear or present danger.

Prudent steps one should take during flash flood season.

1. Be aware. Technology has made it possible for the populous to know when danger of flash flooding exists. For instance, my cell phone whistles whenever an alert is posted. It tells me where the areas of concerns are and the time span the flash flood warning is expected to be of concern. Other ways of obtaining the same free information are the National Weather Service, NOAA,  and local news stations.
2. Exercise caution. Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around, don't drown. According to statistics, forty percent of the flash flood fatalities occur because the drive drove into the water. The roadbed below may have washed out and, or, the depth of the water may not be obvious, creating conditions that can strand or trap a motorist. Instead, flee to higher ground as quickly as possible. Six inches of fast moving water can sweep the average person off their feet. Two feet of fast moving water can float a car away.
3. Be aware of the location of flood zone areas. If you are unfamiliar with an area, usually, a visual inspection can easily direct one to higher ground. More formally, one can accomplish the same through inspection of one many free sources. Your real estate and insurance agents can help you determine whether the property you are considering purchasing is withing a designated flood zone. Hiking and topographic literature usually provide this type of information, as well.
4. Have an evacuation plan if you choose to live in an area that is prone to flooding. I live next to Oak Creek. My house is located within the 100 year floodplain, but it was built to 500 year floodplain standards. Safe, high ground surrounds me. And, yes, we know exactly what to do should the creek rise to unsafe levels.
5. If you find yourself caught in a flash flood, stay calm. Quickly move to higher ground finding the best shelter available. Flash-floods are high in intensity, but low in duration. Let me repeat: IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU DO NOT PANIC, ENTER RUNNING WATER OR PLACE YOURSELF IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION. 

Sedona, Arizona is a great place to live! Flash-floods occur everywhere. Don't let your fears concerning flash flood safety keep you from making this Arizona town your new hometown.