Save Lives And Property With Flood Prevention

Copyright (c) 2012 Floodsense

Government flood prevention should shift from emergency management when the flood is imminent, to long term management which includes all flooding related problems such as rising groundwater tables, erosion, sewage networks, landslides, ice flows and pollution among other things. Many causes for flooding are directly connected to the activities of humans.

The proper flood prevention depends on the environmental conditions that cause different types of flooding. Sudden flooding in headwater or upstream areas requires many innovative small scale solutions to mitigate flooding. In lowland areas, the duration of the flood will be longer, larger scale and possibly cause more damage. This is where foresight and long term solutions are needed.

There are many ways to prevent flooding. The two best ways are creating flood plains and winding streams as well as the protection of wetlands. These provide natural drainage and the chance for much of the water to evaporate before it collects in to a huge amount and floods an area.

Levees are another way to stop water from flooding an area. Levees are embankments that can block huge amounts of water. Levees need to we well maintained to be effective. If they break or the water gets past in another way, there will be considerably more damage than if the levee wasn't there in the beginning.

Sandbags can serve as small levees when placed along a river bank. They will prevent erosion of the bank to stop flooding up to two feet. Maintaining the height of the bank in this way also prevents future flooding. Sandbags will not be effective for long periods. They should not be placed too early because after several months they deteriorate and may not be effective at the time they are needed.

Individuals can maintain the drainage systems on their property. Even if systems extend over several lots, each home owner should make sure the drain is clean on his property. This included grates and basins. It is also important to have debris flow control around buildings. Paths should be cleared for debris flow. Debris should flow away and not be dammed. If it is difficult for a home owner to determine the best debris control, he should consult a civil or geotechnical engineer or a landscape architect.

Floods are a natural phenomenon and, with the exception of a burst dam or landslide, are caused by meteorological and hydrological processes. There can be flash floods or slower riverine floods. Human activities such as alterations in drainage patterns because of urbanization, deforestation and agricultural practices have changed river basins and created more and more flood-prone areas.

It is necessary for governments and individuals to take steps to prevent serious damage to life and property because of floods.

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