GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- September is National Preparedness Month, a month in which to reflect upon your level of readiness for all hazard situations, whether it be floods, fires or a power outage.
During national Preparedness Month, every week has a different theme and this week’s theme (Sept. 1-5) is Floods.
Flooding happens during heavy rains, when rivers overflow, when ocean waves come onshore, when snow melts too fast, or when dams or levees break. This is the most common natural-weather event. Flooding may be only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. Floods that happen very quickly are called flash floods.
Floods can occur in every single U.S. state. Some floods develop slowly and some build in just a few minutes. People who live in low-lying areas, near water or behind a levee or dam, increase the risk.
Flooding can change familiar places like walkways, roads and fields. Avoid walking through water because it might be deeper than you think.
If you are ever curious about the risk of floodwaters affecting your home, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agencies flood maps at https://msc.fema.gov/portal. If your residence has the potential to be flooded as outlined on the map, then it is highly recommended to get flood insurance.
During the month of September, Readiness and Emergency Management is planning several events. More information to come.
This year’s theme is “Don’t wait. Communicate.” Two of the best ways to prepare for disasters are:
• Understand disasters are likely to happen in your community
• Prepare for those likely disasters.
Please contact the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight at 325-654-3245 or at 17cesreadiness@us.af.mil with any disaster related questions; we will assist in any way we can.