Floods are considered to be one of the most common hazards in United States. However all floods are not alike. Some flash floods develop quickly, sometimes in a few minutes without any warning signs or any visible signs of rain. Such floods are called as flash floods. Flash floods are often dangerous and can sweep away almost anything in their path. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Flash floods occur when the ground becomes saturated due to water that has fallen too quickly to be absorbed. The runoff collects in low-lying areas and then flows rapidly downhill. Flash floods most often occur in normally dry areas that have recently received precipitation, but may be seen anywhere downstream from the source of the precipitation - even dozens of miles from the source.

Flash floods are very perilous because of their sudden nature. Being present in a vehicle may make people overconfident and less likely to avoid the flash flood. However, it has been found out that more than half of the deaths attributed to flash floods are people swept away in vehicles while trying to cross flooded intersections.

As little as two feet of water (60 cm) can be enough to carry away most SUV-sized vehicles. The National Weather Service of United States gives advice, "Turn around; don't drown", so that people can protect themselves when faced with such a situation. It you are at home then you should put away all your furniture and other valuables in the higher floors. Try filling bathtubs, sinks and other plastic bottles with clean water. Keep important documents, insurance policies and other valuables in a safe deposit box so that you can find them later on easily.

Flash floods are very dangerous and have known to claim an average of 127 lives per year and rendering about 70,000 Americans homeless or shelter less. Be always alert so that you have to deal with less damage. Follow these advices in order to avert any kind of danger.

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