Flooding

Flooding is one of Wayne County’s most common hazards. Depending on its depth and velocity, flooding can be a nuisance or a disaster. Be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near a body of water, downstream from a dam, or in other areas known to flood in previous storms.

Key Terms

  • A Flood Watch means there is a possibility of flooding or a flash flood in your area.
  • A Flood Warning means a flood is occurring or will likely occur soon.  If you are advised to evacuate do it immediately.
  • A Flash Flood Watch means flash flooding is possible.  Be prepared to move to higher ground.  A flash flood could occur without any warning.
  • A Flash Flood Warning means a flash flood is occurring.  Seek higher ground immediately; do not wait for instructions.
  • A 100-Year Flood (or “base flood”) is a flood that has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, according to FEMA’s flood maps.  A base flood may also be referred to as a 100-year storm, and the area inundated during the base flood is sometimes called the 100-year floodplain, which generally correlated to the “Special Flood Hazard Area” where federal flood insurance is required in order to obtain a mortgage.  It should be noted that a “100-year flood” refers to the annual probability of such an occurrence, not the predicted interval between such floods.
  • A 500-Year Flood is a flood that has a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, according to FEMA’s flood maps.  The area inundated during a 500-year flood is sometimes called the 500-year floodplain.  It should be noted that a “500-year flood” refers to the annual probability of such an occurrence, not the predicted interval between such floods.

What to Do

  • Before (Preparedness / Mitigation)

    • Sign up online for Wayne County Alerts and have a battery or crank-powered NOAA weather radio available.
    • Prepare your home by cleaning gutters and drains.
    • Decide early whether you will evacuate, and where you will go if ordered to or opt to leave.
    • Disconnect electrical appliances.
    • Know if your residence or business is in a floodplain.
    • Apply for flood insurance. Consider this even if you are not in the 100-year floodplain (the FEMA-designated “Special Flood Hazard Area”) – many recent floods have exceeded the 100-year and 500-year marks!
    • Learn First Aid.
    • Refer to “Medical Emergency” hazard pages.

  • During (Response)

    • Listen to official information.
    • If you encounter rising water, move to higher ground immediately.
    • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
    • Always stay clear of floodwaters.
    • Do not drive through flooded roads, even if you have a vehicle with high clearance and even if the water appears to be shallow – “turn around, don’t drown.”
    • Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution.

  • After (Recovery)

    • Return home when local officials say it is safe.
    • Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
    • Do not drink from floodwaters.
    • Do not drink or wash with water from a flooded household well until it is tested and found to be safe to use.
    • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes may breed.
    • Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with floodwater. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
    • Remove all porous items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home.
    • Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.