Over 20 People Die in Massive Flooding in Central US
We've talked about flooding before, but it's back again in the news. With over 20 people losing their lives the past few days, it is a stark reminder about the power and danger of water. For many reasons.
My strong respect and understanding of the strength and power of water when I was on a hike in Southern Utah many years ago. It was a slot canyon where some spots were not wide enough to walk through without turning your body to fit.
Flash flooding was a major concern for this particular hike and we did our due diligence to check the weather and do what we could beforehand. In fact, in 2023 four people lost their lives due to flash flooding on this same hike. We made it through the first 3 days and on the last day the canyon widened considerably (about 75 feet across). However, as we were hiking water started coming down the canyon, then coming over the walls of the canyon above. In a matter of about half an hour the floor went from bone dry to knee deep flowing water. A flash flood.
Because we were out of cell range for several days we didn't have an updated weather forecast that had changed since we entered the canyon. I now carry a Zoleo satellite communicator which can get weather updates via satellite and communicate emergency and non-emergency messages if needed. We only had a few minutes to formulate a plan as the water continued to rise. We were trying to find a place to climb out of the canyon but before we could make it to our desired spot the water flow was too powerful to continue moving forward. It was physically pushing so hard that we couldn't keep hiking forward. We had passed a little alcove a few minutes earlier that was better than nothing, but limited to the safety it would provide, but at that point it was our best option.
We hunkered down in that alcove while we watched the water continue to rise and our perch became smaller and smaller. We used the time to formulate plans if the alcove no longer was a safe place. None of the plans were good. Luckily the water didn't rise higher than the little platform we were on. We stayed there for a few of hours while the water receded before we could continue hiking again but it was a clear demonstration of the power a high volume of water held and I'll never forget that lesson.
It can take many different shapes and forms and happen in many different scenarios, but water is something to be treated with respect, knowledge, and understanding. And in some cases, to straight up avoid.
Preparation, training, and knowledge are key in any emergency situation and this massive flooding is no different. Being prepared and having some readily accessible tools and a plan can make a huge difference. Some of those tools include a sump pump (this is the one that performed the best out of the many we used), an extension cord, a generator (with fuel) if you lose power in the storm), a hose to re-direct the water, a 5 gallon bucket, and sand bags (here are also some alternatives to sand bags that some people have found useful) for the situations of water coming into your home. Fans and air movers are extremely helpful after the fact.
Remember to be careful dealing with water and electricity. Know where the breakers are located and use extra caution.
Many of these people were in situations well beyond trying to remove or redirect water to protect their homes and they were forced to evacuate. Bugging out is a decision that should not be taken lightly and requires great preparation to do it successfully. Your home is typically the best place to be in any massive crisis and you should stay there until it becomes less safe than leaving. Wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding are all reasons you may need to bug out. But bugging out without being prepared to do so is just moving from one disaster to another. The goal is to improve your situation as much as possible so having your gear staged and ready to go in an emergency situation makes all the difference.
The time to start preparing is now. Program 62 is here to help you prove up so hopefully you are the one helping others, and not the one needing help in an emergency situation like this.