The recent storms in North Texas are a reminder that severe weather season is upon us.

While tornados do pose a substantial risk, residents are reminded that flash flooding is actually the leading cause of weather related deaths in the country and occur more frequently during the spring and summer months. In 2015, the latest year available for statistics, Texas had 48 flood related deaths. Tragically, more than half these deaths occurred in vehicles caught in hazardous flood water.

The City of Arlington Stormwater Floodplain Administration group, working in conjunction with the Texas Floodplain Management Association, would like to remind all citizens of how critical it is that you be alert to the dangers of flooding both in your homes and on the roads. Knowing what to do and being prepared for a flood event can drastically increase your chances of survival.

Be Prepared

Being prepared before a flood occurs can reduce fear, anxiety and confusion during an emergency and prevent injuries and deaths which occur every year from flooding.

• Identify which roads in your area are prone to flooding and signs of potential flooding;
• Know whether or not your workplace, home or school located in a flood hazard zone. If your workplace, home or school is located near a creek, drainage channel, at the bottom of a hill, or near a low point in a road, it may be at an increased risk for flooding;
• Will you wait out the flood in your house or will you leave? If you choose to wait out the flood in your house, identify the safest area to wait;
• If you have a single story home, the roof safest location to wait out a flood. Ensure you have the appropriate needed to reach your roof;
• If you choose to leave, develop a family evacuation plan include safe routes to a designated meeting place not in the floodplain;
• Consider the extra assistance necessary for any young children, elderly, disabled or pets in your family;
• Have a designated contact person outside of your immediate family. Use this person in case family members are separated and can't contact each other;
• Practice your emergency plan at least once a year so that your family is familiar with all aspects of your plan;
• Create or buy a 3-day emergency supply GO BAG for each member of your family;
• Have a first-aid kit that includes any prescription medication;
• Keep insurance policies and other important documents in a waterproof, portable container;
• Purchase a battery operated radio or NOAA weather radio; and
• Don't forget extra batteries for flashlights and weather radios!

During a Storm Event

Be aware of your surroundings and monitor local media;

• Avoid driving;
• Stay away from creeks, culvers, ponds, or other drainage infrastructure; and
• If water starts to rise, seek higher ground immediately.

If you must drive, be mindful that all flooded roads may not be barricaded and take the following precautions:

• Avoid low water crossings;
• Actively look for water over a road. Many flood survivors have stated that they didn't even know there was water on the road until it was too late;
• If a road has been barricaded, do not attempt to drive around the barricades; and
• Turn around, don't drown.

Escaping a Flooding Vehicle

Despite warnings, drivers are often lulled into a false sense of security because they are in a vehicle and not out in the open during a flood. It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock down an adult and cause tires to lose traction, 12 inches to carry away a small vehicle, and 2 feet to sweep away most other vehicles.

Should you find yourself in a flooded vehicle; the following can make the difference between life and death:

• Stay calm and unbuckle your seatbelt;
• Try to keep your cell phone as dry as possible so you can contact 911;
• If the water is below the bottom of the door, open the door to get out;
• If the water is higher than the bottom of the door, DO NOT open the door. Power windows don't stop working immediately, so you should be roll your window down to get out;
• Consider carrying a special tool for breaking vehicle glass and cutting seatbelts;
• Do not brush against or remove any live wire while exiting your vehicle;
• Once outside your vehicle seek higher ground. If no ground or structure is in close proximity, consider climbing onto the roof of your vehicle to avoid being swept away by fast-moving water; and;
• Call 911.

Know Your Risk and Protect Yourself

The City encourages all residents to:

• Know your flood risk and how to protect your property from floods. Contact the Public Works and Transportation Department at 817-459-6550 to find out if your property is located in the floodplain;
• Purchase flood insurance for your structure and its contents. Damages caused by floods are not covered by a homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Flood insurance can be purchased by all Homeowners, Renters, and Business Owners in the City of Arlington. Contact your insurance agent or go to gov for more information on how to purchase a flood insurance policy; and
• Visit the Stormwater Management page of the City's website for more information.