Prepare for spring flooding, FEMA warns

Washington – As the threat of springtime flooding looms, FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are providing information to help individuals prepare for flooding dangers.

To commemorate Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 14-18), the agencies are offering online tips www.ready.gov/floodawareness on how to create an emergency supply kit and action plan, and identify flood hazards.

According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur annually from flooding than from any other severe weather-related hazard. More than half of these deaths are the result of vehicles being swept downstream.

“As the nation’s most common and expensive natural disaster, floods can strike virtually every community,” said W. Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator. “We’re encouraging individuals and families to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their property.”