All week, you’ve been subjected to the piercing beeps of severe thunderstorm alerts interrupting our radio programming. Reno Public Radio’s Anh Gray has more on how to reduce the dangers of flash floods.
It’s hard to understand how Nevada’s desert region, which is in its fourth year of drought, can also be at risk for flooding. But when the ground is dry, its ability to absorb a sudden heavy rainfall is poor. Water run-off from higher elevations also contributes to the problem.
John Cobourn is a water specialist with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. He says the best way to prepare for flooding is to understand the lay of the land.
“It’s important to know the location, where you live, where you work and also possibly your commute route,” Cobourn says.
Cobourn says you can do this by visiting www.NevadaFloods.org, which is run by several state agencies. It enables you to enter your home or work address to determine if it’s in a flood zone. He says it could be lifesaving to map-out an alternate commute route for thunderstorms and to avoid driving into flooded areas.
The website also offers flood-safety tips.
“If any electrical components like switches or circuit bre akers are anywhere near the bottom of the home, they should be elevated at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation, and people can find out what that is, particularly if they are in a flood zone," Cobourn says.
Despite all of this unseasonably wet weather, Cobourn says it really hasn’t been enough to make a dent in the drought conditions.
