Flooding begins in Carson City: how you can help, and stay safe

As the Pineapple Express continues to flow over our region, more and more rain will continue to pour down. While normally in Northern Nevada we celebrate any and all rain, unfortunately due to the record breaking amounts of snow still currently on the ground, the mixture of the two means one thing: flooding.

Already reports of flooding have come in on North Carson Street, where traffic can be seen throwing up huge wages of water alongside the main thoroughfare.

The best way you as a citizen can help is to make sure that storm drains remain clear of debris, snow and ice. Allowing water access to the storm drains will greatly reduce the risk of flooding - and the risk of property damage as a result.

Free sandbags are available in each county to prepare against property damage.

Click here for information on each sandbag location.

According to the Nevada Department of Emergency Management, there are several steps to take before and during a flood to keep you and your property safe.

Steps Before the Flood

• Make an emergency communications plan for your household.

-Emergency Plan Form
Items to include: evacuation routes, meeting places, shelter locations, insurance policy and information, medical and veterinarian information, household needs, disaster supply checklist.

• Build a disaster supply kit for all members in your household, including your pets.

-Emergency Supply Kit
-Items to include: Easy to carry containers with food, water, NOAA weather radio, first aid kits, flashlight, batteries, whistle, medications, and other supplies for adults, kids and pets.

• Document your Belongings

-Create a list or video of your personal items and valuables.
-Gather personal documents - passports, social security cards, medications, property leases, deeds, home and auto titles, and financial documents.

• Know the flood risk for your area.

-Review FEMA's Flood Map Service Center for information in your community.
-Sign up for Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts in your area.
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy well in advance.

Steps to Protect Your Property

• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
• Clear leaves and debris on your property that leads to stormwater conveyance systems such as streets, streams or creeks. This includes removing snow and ice berms to help water pass through properly.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts on your property.
• Secure outdoor furniture, fences, sheds, temporary construction structures, canopies, and other objects.
• Anchor fuel tanks and external utility links.
• Unplug appliances not in use.

Staying Safe During a Flood

• Pay attention to authorities and safety officials. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground or find shelter.
• Evacuate immediately, when asked to be local officials. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Even six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when water gets between your car's tires and the road, which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle entirely.

To avoid hydroplaning, there are two things you can do to prepare against hydroplaning. The first is to check and make sure your tires are maintaining proper tire pressure. The second is to slow down: tires can only pump out a certain amount of water through their grooves, and the faster you drive, the more water it must disperse. Slowing down in areas with water on the roads will greatly increase your chances of avoiding hydroplaning.

If you do find yourself hydroplaning, stay calm and avoid any sudden jerky movements in an attempt to regain control. Hydroplaning typically only lasts for a few seconds, and whether you're on a straight or a curve, maintaining calm will save you.

If you feel you car begin to hydroplane, let off the gas. Gently turn the wheel is the direction you want to travel, but if it has no effect, do not continue to increase the angle. If your car is equipped with ABS brakes, you can gently engage them. As soon as you begin slowing down, you will likely feel the tires regain contact with the ground.

Flood Watch

Keep checking with Carson Now, and we will update if flooding increases or if any flood emergencies are reported.