We’ve all heard the scary stories about Houston and its floods. Seeing all those news articles about how the streets are flooding and people are struggling to get their cars out of the water is certainly tragic. But there is a way you can avoid all those troubles: Move! The key to staying dry is to leave before the water reaches you. If you stay, even the most reliable of vehicles can get easily submerged. So for those who live in Houston or are just visiting, here are some tips on how to stay safe and avoid any unnecessary heartache when it comes to the floods.
Find A Place High On A Ridge
One of the best things you can do for your vehicle is to find a place high on a ridge. The higher the better because the water will run off the back. Even the slightest slope is enough to cause the water to run and surge towards you. A high enough ridge will keep the water at bay, preventing it from causing extensive damage. Unfortunately, those living in Houston don’t always have that luxury. The streets are filled with the ruins of houses that were washed away during previous floods. There is no guaranteed protection if the area where you live is flat or has small slopes. The water will find a way to come calling, and if it’s a big one, there is no telling how much damage it could cause. Luckily, there are some options. Find a place on a high ridge near a large body of water — lake or ocean — and you’ll be good to go. That is the best, and only, guarantee of protection you can get.
Dress In Layers
Another thing you can do to be safe from flooding is to dress in layers. After all, when it comes to water, less is more. You’ll be warm enough if you layer up, and you won’t overheat. You’ll also be dry enough if you layer up. The easiest way to layer is with a jacket, a t-shirt, and a hoodie. On a particularly chilly day, wear a hat to keep your head warm. You’ll be set for almost any occasion. Be sure to check the weather before you set out for a day in the woods, though, as the wind chill is very important as well. When the wind chill is high, you’ll need to be dressed appropriately. Make sure not to overdress either, as you’ll end up freezing.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours
Houston isn’t the only place that gets hit by floods. Many major cities are prone to flooding because of their location on the tectonic plates. There are certain hours when the water will seep inland and cause chaos. The best time to travel is during the hours when the sun is at its peak. This will prevent you from getting wet and cold. Of course, you need to take care not to overdo it and travel during peak hours in the hot. The temperature can be taxing on your car and you could end up overheating. Traveling off-peak can also save you money since there will be fewer people on the road. Some cities, like Houston, even ban traffic during peak hours to reduce stress and environmental damage. Check the local weather to see what days and times are good for you to drive. If you are still concerned about flooding, consider leaving the area entirely or moving to a place with better flood protection. There are thousands of places you can go in the U.S. If you put in the effort to find a new home, you’ll be glad you did. The alternative is almost certain to be unpleasant. There are many places to visit in Buffalo, including the famous Allegany State Park, where you can go fishing, canoeing, and explore the forest. The views are breathtaking and it’s nice and cool under the shade of the trees. If you visit during the off-peak hours, you’ll be able to go on a cruise to see all the sights without any hassles. Or, if you want to get a tan, you can go to the beach. Visiting these places will give you a different perspective on the city and its floods. It’s nice to see the forest for a change instead of the flooded streets. Plus, you never know what kind of wildlife you’ll be able to spot while on a hike. If you’re really lucky, you might even catch a fish or two. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find a turtle! It’s always good to have an outdoor adventure, even if it’s only for a day.
It’s only natural to be worried about your own safety when it comes to the weather. There are always bad reports about tornadoes raking through towns and communities. While it is never advisable to be out on a day like that, it is more advisable to be off on a day like that. A lot can happen on those days and you never know when or where the next storm could appear. Fortunately, you can prepare for those bad weather days and be safe at home. Just a few simple tips and you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of heartache and trouble. It is sad to see all the damage that floods have done. Hopefully, these few tips will help you stay safe during those terrifying times. Keep those flood maps in mind and be sure to follow them carefully. You might just avoid all that hassles and save yourself a bunch of money in the process. Better to be safe than sorry, right? All those bad storms can make you become a hermit for a little while, but maybe it’s for the best. You can start a new life away from all that water and warmth and go anywhere you want with no worries. It might feel a little lonely at first, but you’ll get used to it.