March is ‘Flood Awareness Month’

Grinnell College student Thomas Van Heeke photographs the Iowa Capitol during January blizzard. Now that the winter weather is almost over, flooding is a serious concern.

With the heavy snowfall this winter and a soggy start to spring, the possibility of flooding is a concern to many.

Here are some tips to prepare for flood season and minimize potential damage:

** Learn about local flood risks, family emergency and evacuation plans, and how to put together an emergency kit at www.bereadyiowa.org.

** Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program by going to www.FloodSmart.gov.

** Volunteer to help. You can register or search for volunteer opportunities at www.volunteeriowa.org. Organizations seeking volunteers can post their opportunities at http://volunteer.united-e-way.org/icovs/agency/.

** Help the National Weather Service prepare for future floods by submitting photos of flooded areas from the past five years. Forecasters will use them to give the public easy-to-understand information about flooding. Submit electronic photos to dmx.spotter@noaa.gov with “Impact Flooding Pictures” in the subject line. Hard copy photos may be mailed to: National Weather Service, Impact Statement Project, 9607 NW Beaver Dr., Johnston, IA 50131. Be sure to include the date, time, name and location of the river or creek, along with information about roads, fields and landmarks in the picture.