Flash floods and floods are the number one weather related killer with around 140 deaths recorded in the U.S. each year.

Flash floods are common and frequent in New Mexico. New Mexico has the tenth highest flash flood fatality rate in the nation. Most flash flood deaths involve drownings in automobiles. Floods can be killers many miles downstream and hours after the rain. Flash floods primarily occur  from July through September.

Flash flood safety rules

The National Weather Service issues a FLASH FLOOD WATCH to alert the residents to the possibility of a flood emergency. During the watch, residents should:

• Exercise caution
• Listen for bulletins
• Watch for signs of rising water
• Be prepared to flee to higher ground on a moments notice.

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING is issued by the National Weather Service when a flash flood is occurring or is imminent on certain streams or certain areas. When the warning is given:

• Get out of the danger zone and to higher ground immediately!
• Don't waste time trying to save personal property.
• Do not cross rain-swollen streams!
• Act quickly! Your margin of safety may be counted in seconds.

"Head for higher ground and stay away from flood waters!"

Flood Safety

What you can do now:

1) Know your flood risk and elevation above flood stage. Do your local streams or rivers flood easy? If so, be prepared to move to a place of safety. Know your evacuation routes.

2) Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for days.

3) Store drinking water in various containers. Water service could be interrupted.

4) Keep a stock of food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration. Electric power may be interrupted.

5) Keep first aid supplies on hand.

6) Keep a NOAA Weather Radio, battery-powered radio, emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order.

7) Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

Assemble a disaster safety kit-- see introduction.

If you receive a flood WARNING:

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.
• Continue monitoring NWR, television, or EAS for information.

(photographer unknown)

During a flood:

1) Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

2) If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way, if possible head to higher ground.

3) Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. The depth of the water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

4) Children should NEVER play around high water, storm drains, viaducts, or canals.

After a flood:

1) If fresh food has come in contact with flood waters, throw it out.

2) Boil drinking water before using. If in doubt, call your public health authority.

3) Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital.

4) Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.

5) Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before returning to service.

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