Hey Kids,
Be a Cool Flood Ready Kid.
Let’s learn the facts about floods! When you’re done, take the quiz- if you pass then you become an official disaster blaster kid. If you don’t, no worries, just read about floods here on the Cool Flood Ready Kids’ page and take the quiz again.
Welcome to the Flood Academy!
Here are 10 quick points about floods.
A flood is an abnormal rise caused by heavy rainfall, dam or levee failures, tsunamis, storm surges or burst water mains.
Flooding is the most common natural disaster.
There are 5 types of flooding:
- Flash Floods
- Riverine Floods
- Coastal Floods
- Ponding
- Land Based Floods
A flash flood occurs when water levels rise rapidly with no warning. They normally occur during heavy rainfall, or when a dam, levee or water main has broken. This type of flooding occurs most often.
A levee can be natural or man-made. They run along the banks of a river to strengthen the banks and help prevent water from overflowing.
Just 6 inches of flowing water is enough to knock you off your feet and 12 inches of water can sweep away a heavy vehicle!
Flooding can be caused by natural events such as heavy rain from a hurricane or a tsunami, but man-made situations can make flooding worse.
For example, dumping rubbish which blocks water ways and drains, and deforestation-without enough trees and vegetation to absorb water, more rain reaches the ground which causes greater flooding.
You can never stop a natural disaster, so it’s best to be prepared! One of the best ways to get ready for a flood is by packing a Flood Kiddie Kit.
When there’s a natural disaster about to strike, keep listening to the radio or television for updates.
- Practice an evacuation plan with your parents.
- Make sure they teach you all the emergency telephone numbers for important people you may need to call in case something goes wrong.
- Ask them to help you write this information somewhere safe that you can find it.
- Get help from your parents in filling out your Kiddie Evacuation Plan.
