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Some disasters simply cannot be avoided. Such is the case many times for flooding. Certainly, in some cases this isn't true. If you are living in a flood plain or on the banks of a river that habitually and frequently floods, you can figure that the chances of a flood happening is rather high, and the more time that passes between flooding, the greater that chance becomes.

However, there are very few areas, if any, where flooding doesn't occasionally occur. Deserts, mountains, and valleys all occasionally flood, sometimes with very little warning. Many areas are not even equipped to warn people of the danger of a flood. In still more areas where officials do have this ability, there are so many people that it is extremely difficult to coordinate large-scale evacuations.

So how do you prepare for something that can happen suddenly and without much warning? There are indeed several things that you can do; the outlook isn't hopeless.

First, ascertain the likelihood of flood happening. The more chance there is, the greater the urgency of being prepared. As already mentioned, if you live in a flood plain, you'd best be prepared to leave with very little notice. Drier or heavily forested mountain areas usually have less of chance of flood. However, even there, if you live next to a river or stream, the chances are far greater than if you don't. You can check records of a given area to know when, how severe, and how frequent floods are.

Second, have at least a primary and secondary escape route planned out. These should be routes that everyone in the household knows about. When possible, avoid low lying areas, major roads that will take the brunt of the traffic, and roads that cross bodies of water that may be flooding. Sometimes it is better to take a longer route that takes more time than to find yourself in the middle of a car jam that stretches for miles, or caught in an area because bridges have washed out on either side of you. This is not always possible, but make the effort. It's worth it.

Third, have an emergency kit prepared, as well as a box or container of your very most important items you possess. Plan this in advance. Ideally, you should be able to leave within about fifteen minutes of knowing that there is danger. Taking too long to gather possessions can result in loss of life. Things can be replaced, life can't be. The emergency kit should contain drinking water, enough food to last a couple days, cooking and eating utensils, paper and fire starters,

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